The Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson and Americas First Military Victory Book Review

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 · 589 ratings  · 75 reviews

Start your review of The Boxing of New Orleans: Andrew Jackson and America'south Outset Military Victory

This book's narrative is fast and snappy, the story is well told and presented in a fashion that it reads similar a novel. The writer, Robert V. Remini certainly loves this period of history and has a deep respect for Andrew Jackson, which shows throughout the book, maybe besides much so. I of the previous reviewers mentioned the fact that the story was a flake too much like "good versus evil".

I found on occasions that the American forces could do no wrong while the British were blunderers. For example, t

This book'due south narrative is fast and snappy, the story is well told and presented in a way that information technology reads like a novel. The writer, Robert V. Remini certainly loves this period of history and has a deep respect for Andrew Jackson, which shows throughout the book, mayhap as well much and then. I of the previous reviewers mentioned the fact that the story was a bit too much like "expert versus evil".

I found on occasions that the American forces could do no wrong while the British were blunderers. For case, the chapter `The Dark Assail' shows Jackson throwing his troops, inferior in numbers and without full cognition of the British forces in a spoiling attack against the advance baby-sit of the British forces. Certainly the spoiling attack is a sound armed services motion and paid adept dividends in this instance. Jackson is shown as a daring commander notwithstanding when the British forces do something very similar confronting the American positions they are made to sound similar bumbling fools. Why is one commander a daring master and the other an idiot?

On a similar note, when Jackson showed caution on a number of occasions throughout this battle he was commended only when the British leadership showed this same caution they were castigated. I agree with the author that the British leadership was ineffectual at times just that is making a judgement in retrospect. The author made mention of Jackson'southward burning hatred of the British and their contempt for the American forces, maybe a picayune of this has rubbed off on the author?

Don't get me incorrect, I enjoyed this book, it'southward a great story and my own land'south history has no love of the British but I don't similar information technology to prove so ane sided in any book I read. Beside that, the maps supplied (3) were of a high quality and a pleasant change but once more fifty-fifty the maps seemed to be one sided. The map showing the positions of the opposing forces for the attack on Jan viii, 1815 (folio 135) show in great item the American positions with the units indicated just nothing every bit detailed for the attacking British forces.

Having said all that, it was pleasing to note that the author paid tribute to the brave soldiers on both sides of this terrible battle. Overall this is an first-class story, told with verve and passion and it'south a great book to read. I hope that the remarks in a higher place do not offend anyone, they are not made with that intention. I would recommend this volume to anyone who enjoys history and would like to learn almost this turning point in America'south history.

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Oct 13, 2008 Dergrossest rated it it was amazing

Some other great history-in-a-nutshell volume which explains how Old Hickory concluded up on the $twenty bill. What'south better than Kentuckians in Tiptop Hats, pirates and citizen soldiers banding together with a shell upwards regular American Army to finally put the British in their place (a feat which even Napoleon could non reach)? Excellent. Another neat history-in-a-nutshell book which explains how One-time Hickory ended up on the $xx bill. What's better than Kentuckians in Superlative Hats, pirates and citizen soldiers banding together with a trounce up regular American Regular army to finally put the British in their place (a feat which even Napoleon could not accomplish)? Splendid. ...more than

Jun 17, 2013 GoldGato rated it it was astonishing

In 1814, we took a little trip
Forth with Colonel Jackson
Downward the mighty Mississip.

Information technology was supposed to exist a slam douse. With many veterans of Wellington'due south ground forces, a Steve Jobs-like leader in General Pakenham, a mighty armada of the world'south greatest navy, and the best trained army of the One-time Earth...the British should accept destroyed the pocket-sized American unit defending "Nawlins".

We took a picayune bacon
And we took a petty beans
And we caught the encarmine British
In a town in New Orleans.

Only the Pommies

In 1814, we took a little trip
Along with Colonel Jackson
Down the mighty Mississip.

It was supposed to be a slam dunk. With many veterans of Wellington'due south army, a Steve Jobs-like leader in General Pakenham, a mighty fleet of the earth's greatest navy, and the best trained regular army of the Old World...the British should accept destroyed the pocket-sized American unit defending "Nawlins".

Nosotros took a lilliputian salary
And nosotros took a footling beans
And we caught the encarmine British
In a town in New Orleans.

But the Pommies didn't reckon with Andrew 'Old Hickory' Jackson. A Southern scarecrow who looked as though he was in perpetual starvation fashion, the future President made it his mission to not only deny the Brits, but to wipe them from existence. He blamed them for the expiry of his mother and older brothers in the American Revolution and vowed to go the "punishing hand" of the Redcoats. His hatred for the Female parent State would last through the residue of his life.

We looked down the river
And we meet'd the British come
And there musta been
A hundred of 'em chirapsia on the drum.

The splendid troops wearing scarlet did not fear much from the ragtag Yanks. One time they easily took New Orleans, the entire Louisiana Purchase territory was alee, a huge prize for the empire of Nelson and Welly. By linking up with Canada, Great Britain would have penned the upstart Americans into their Eastern enclaves...and somewhen would accept taken back the colonies they had lost to the Yankees some thirty years earlier.

They stepped then high
And they made their bugles band
We stood beside our cotton bales
And didn't say a matter.

New Orleans. It was the most dynamic city in the States. To the arrogant members of the royal infantry, information technology meant loot and rapine. What could stop them? Certainly not the flimsy barricades thrown up by the...wait, exercise those Americans even accept an army? The mighty Mississippi meant conquest and only Andrew Jackson stood in the way.

Ole Hickory said
We could take them by surprise
If we didn't fire our muskets
Till we wait 'em in the eyes.

They say that over-confidence can exist used as a weapon by an opposing force. Such was information technology to be in this fight. The British did non understand the bayou system and landed in the wrong spots. They had to row thousands of men to state, under oestrus and humidity and rain. The soldiers could barely walk, as they sank to their knees in mud. When the boxing actually started, the Brits listened to the advice of an American deserter who told them most the weak spot in Jackson's line.

We held our fire
Till we seen their faces bang-up.
And then we opened upwardly our squirrel guns
And really gave them (hell).

But the deserter was not aware that Jackson had moved arriving reinforcements to the weak spot, which now became the strong point. Redcoats marched en masse into withering fire from cannons and guns. Information technology was a bones wipeout. The British leaders were killed. For a while, no one knew if any generals were left to pb.

Well, they ran through the briars
And they ran through the brambles.
And they ran through the bushes
Where a rabbit wouldn't go.

They came from Tennessee and Kentucky. Poorly armed. At least, the Brits thought and then. But while the rifles did not wait like much, each homo could shoot dead a running rodent from a spot away. They did non waste bullets. Each shot fired was either a kill or a wound. Most of the Americans had never seen New Orleans. They came considering Jackson had asked them. That was good enough.

They ran then fast that the
Hounds couldn't catch 'em.
On down the Mississippi
To the Gulf of United mexican states.

Back East, Washington had been burned. The President had to run away. Yankees started discussing how it would feel to be British again. When the news arrived about the momentous victory, it was considered a phenomenon. Then came word of the Treaty of Ghent, which had actually been completed before the Battle of New Orleans. The United States of America would never expect dorsum.

Having already read nigh the War of 1812, I idea, well, it was a funky war. What more than could be said? But this book was enlightening, as information technology laid out the consequences of Jackson's victory. Before this momentous event, the U.s.a. was still an Due east Coast-driven entity. Madison, Monroe, and Quincy Adams were the leading lights, men whose attire and attitude still reflected the 18th Century. But Andrew Jackson changed that. The men who fought the Battle of New Orleans represented the new Westward...which, at that time, was Kentucky and Tennessee. Rough-hewn. Spat tobacco. Dressed in buckskins. They were assisted by the French-American pirates, who decided to defend their metropolis. Earrings and swords.

Robert Remini's writing is perfect. That is, his sentences hitting the mark the aforementioned way his backwoods men shot their guns. Notice the target, shoot, reload. Those are my kind of sentences. He is a Jacksonian. Since I'm not, I take decided to find his bio of Mr. Jackson, and then I can learn more nigh this strange avatar of Manifest Destiny. And while I'one thousand at information technology, what is information technology with Americans and their power to pull rabbits out of their hats when information technology comes to finding great leaders? I mean, they had Washingon-Adams-Jefferson-Franklin while France had Robespierre-Danton-Marat-de Sade. They had Andrew Jackson, while France had Bonaparte. They had Lincoln, while England had Lord Raglan. They had Patton-Bradley-Eisenhower-MacArthur while France had...De Gaulle. They even had Churchill (half American). Seriously. Is it the water?

My apologies for the long review. I obviously like this book. Information technology'south not very long, but I learned what I needed to know and now I take a thirst to know more about that period and of Andrew Jackson, who would become the 7th President of the Us. Homeboy was a game-changer and so was this boxing.

January 8th is now my new favourite 24-hour interval of 1815. Accept that, Wellington (my previous favourite 1815 leader).

Book Season = Summer (beignets and chicory, mes enfants)

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The sort of history of battle you don't see much anymore: rousing and entertaining, full of brave deeds and long odds overcome. Huzzah indeed! Not much attention is paid to the causes of the war or its broader social context, and while that might have been of interest, frankly it is not much missed here. The focus is mostly on Andrew Jackson--Remini is a biographer of Jackson--and it works every bit a means to tell the story of the battle in a truncated and readable style. In the concluding chapter h The sort of history of battle you don't see much anymore: rousing and entertaining, full of dauntless deeds and long odds overcome. Huzzah indeed! Not much attention is paid to the causes of the war or its broader social context, and while that might have been of interest, frankly information technology is not much missed here. The focus is generally on Andrew Jackson--Remini is a biographer of Jackson--and it works as a means to tell the story of the boxing in a truncated and readable fashion. In the concluding chapter he does make a cursory case for the importance of the battle as the decisive moment in a war that transformed the United states of america from a feisty piddling upstart colony that was viewed with disdain by the Europeans into a true nation with a distinct national identity worthy of respect. ...more

Jan 12, 2020 Christopher rated it actually liked information technology

America'southward real independence.

Remini's brief, but eminently readable, history of the Battle of New Orleans focuses less on Old Hickory (Andrew Jackson) than it does on the battle itself, its major players, and its significance in forging the American psyche.

Prior to the War of 1812, the newly independent America was still very much a "European" nation in its mannerisms and outlook. Its citizenry still had many of the trappings of the old world (powdered wigs, waistcoats, leggings, etc). Despite

America's real independence.

Remini's brief, simply eminently readable, history of the Boxing of New Orleans focuses less on Old Hickory (Andrew Jackson) than information technology does on the battle itself, its major players, and its significance in forging the American psyche.

Prior to the War of 1812, the newly contained America was notwithstanding very much a "European" nation in its mannerisms and outlook. Its citizenry still had many of the trappings of the one-time world (powdered wigs, waistcoats, leggings, etc). Despite the winning of independence, America did non have the respect of Europe nor was it clear they deserved information technology.

So with the War of 1812 and the resounding defeat of the British at New Orleans past a decidedly more than "Western" and post-revolutionary army, the shift of America from a collection of "former British colonists" to a nation uniquely American began to take hold.

The fact that the boxing was won by Jackson, a fiercely anti-British character who helped conductor in the first major populist political motion in the country in stark contrast to the Federalist and Virginia dynasties of the past helped immensely. Remini insightfully notes that many of the seminal works describing the character of "America" (including most notably de Tocqueville) were written during the ascension of and presidency of Jackson.

The best histories provide narrative drive to tell a solid story while besides placing the events in a coherent context along that historical timeline. Remini's Boxing of New Orleans does both wonderfully.

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Mar 17, 2017 Jarrod rated it it was astonishing

Old Hickory is i of my favorite Americans of all time. This short story gives a great rendition of the final boxing of the state of war of 1812, in which he pb. It tells the story of how several cultures and backgrounds came together to repulse an organized and invading ground forces. The lopsided results are evidence of a people that are hell-bent on overcoming arduousness and protecting liberty. It'due south what separates us from the rest of the globe.

This is a great addition to whatsoever library and helps tell the denoue

Old Hickory is one of my favorite Americans of all fourth dimension. This curt story gives a great rendition of the final boxing of the war of 1812, in which he pb. It tells the story of how several cultures and backgrounds came together to repulse an organized and invading army. The lopsided results are evidence of a people that are hell-bent on overcoming adversity and protecting liberty. Information technology'due south what separates u.s.a. from the remainder of the world.

This is a groovy addition to any library and helps tell the denouement of the war and the "stop of the starting time" of the United States.

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Sep 30, 2017 Brooke rated it actually liked information technology

This book was much more than I was expecting. I've never been a great fan of American historical nonfiction, merely seeing the promise and enthusiastic sprits of the American people in this volume have me promise for the hereafter of our land as it struggles right now. I hope nosotros can unite in spirit soon and re-establish the American spirit of justice and freedom. This book was much more than than I was expecting. I've never been a cracking fan of American historical nonfiction, but seeing the promise and enthusiastic sprits of the American people in this volume take me hope for the futurity of our land equally it struggles right now. I hope we tin unite in spirit presently and re-establish the American spirit of justice and liberty. ...more than

Aug 01, 2020 Ben Denison rated it it was amazing

I liked this much more than Meachum's American King of beasts.

Much more engrossing, much more interesting. Lot'southward of interesting facts virtually Jackson and the war of 1812. Liked the details well-nigh the Creek State of war and dealing with the Pirates Lafitte helping against the British in New Orleans. To me, this war of 1812 is actually the forgotten war in American History.

I liked this much more than Meachum'southward American Lion.

Much more than engrossing, much more interesting. Lot'due south of interesting facts about Jackson and the war of 1812. Liked the details about the Creek State of war and dealing with the Pirates Lafitte helping against the British in New Orleans. To me, this war of 1812 is really the forgotten war in American History.

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May 17, 2021 Bryan rated it really liked it

I finished this fast paced history volume in 2 days and information technology was fantastic! Nosotros're heading to New Orleans then I've been stocking up on some gulf history and it's been so surprising. This is a half dozen hr audiobook and I couldn't recommend it though. Flick this... Andrew Jackson (complicated American hero/horror testify) teaming up with pirates to win "America's first military victory." Seriously, this was a fun one. If y'all're a history nerd like myself, check it out.

The Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson and America's Offset Armed services Victory by Robert five. Remini was a tougher read. It was rich with historical information that at times could make it very tedious. Although most of the book tended to exist quite slow I did learn some new thing about that major battles Andrew Jackson fought in. Virtually of these battles I had but learned about through history grade which did not accept such an in depth look at them, so seeing all parts of these important battles and w The Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson and America'southward Get-go Military Victory by Robert v. Remini was a tougher read. It was rich with historical information that at times could arrive very dull. Although most of the book tended to exist quite dull I did learn some new matter virtually that major battles Andrew Jackson fought in. Most of these battles I had only learned about through history class which did not have such an in depth look at them, so seeing all parts of these important battles and what led to them was very interesting.
Fifty-fifty though almost of The Battle of New Orleans tended to exist boring and packed with historical information, it was interesting to see the in depth look the author takes on Mainly the Battle of New Orleans and other battles. One such battle was when Andrew Jackson went into Florida to take on fleeing hostile Native Americans. Another thing I liked was that information technology had a prissy residual between the actual Battle of New Orleans and what led up to information technology. It wasn't all the boring politics of the battle and the people involved. Overall this book did have some skilful and interesting parts which fabricated information technology non something terrible to read.
The Battle of New Orleans was an incredibly dull book. The action in it did make upward for some of the extensive history that it continually threw out at you, but overall a very slow read that was packed with data. It gave all-encompassing backgrounds on near of the people involved with the Battle of New Orleans which made information technology very ho-hum to read. This too made it hard to focus because at time I didn't care about a certain figure'due south background. This book is meant to be informational of The Battle of New Orleans and the ending of The War of 1812 and it did achieve that job. It only did that in one of the most boring wars possible.
"The Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson and America'south First Military Victory" overall was a very historical book. Information technology showed a lot of maybe not so well know information nearly the Battle of New Orleans. With that said, if yous are not into information-heavy books I would non recommend this book to you. It will almost probable take you a very long time to read and you won't get much enjoyment out of it. ...more

November 05, 2009 Nathan rated it it was ok

A quick pop history of the New Orleans entrada, generic to a fault. Nothing distinguishes this book; the way is brisk and chatty and the narrative quick and straightforward, simply there is nothing remarkable hither. To its detriment, the book likewise completely neglects the social and political ramifications of the battle, instead confining its telescopic to a directly record of events; something I detect egregious in a history.

This is a detailed and clearly written account of the Battle of New Orleans and the skirmishes that preceded and followed information technology. However, it does not place the battle into an larger historical context (e.g. race relations - complimentary black soldiers and Indians fought on both sides), which, combined with Remini's sometimes gag-inducing patriotism, makes this volume less intellectually satisfying than it ought to exist. This is a detailed and clearly written business relationship of the Boxing of New Orleans and the skirmishes that preceded and followed it. Notwithstanding, it does non identify the battle into an larger historical context (east.g. race relations - gratis black soldiers and Indians fought on both sides), which, combined with Remini's sometimes gag-inducing patriotism, makes this book less intellectually satisfying than it ought to be. ...more

Jan 08, 2013 Bryan Reed rated information technology it was amazing

I constitute it to be a dainty, concise history of the battle. The merely thing I think that could make it better would be more than and better maps. I found it very interesting how alee of his time Jackson was in tactics. His defense of New Orleans was more alike to something later in the Civil war (as opposed to the Napoleonic tactics the Brits used too as both sides at the showtime of the civil war.)

Jun 28, 2013 Sean Chick rated it did not like it

An error ridden and infantile business relationship where stupid British gentlemen fighting a "clean and gentlemanly" war are defeated past Jackson and his dirty and practical frontiersmen. Jackson is the hero of the story (the author even chides usa for no longer looking at him in a heroic lite). So Jackson'southward more than questionable decisions are non mentioned or if mentioned only briefly. I would laugh only I have seen historians in New Orleans peddling the same sort of bullshit. An error ridden and infantile account where stupid British gentlemen fighting a "clean and gentlemanly" war are defeated by Jackson and his dirty and practical frontiersmen. Jackson is the hero of the story (the writer even chides the states for no longer looking at him in a heroic lite). And so Jackson'south more questionable decisions are non mentioned or if mentioned only briefly. I would laugh but I accept seen historians in New Orleans peddling the same sort of bullshit. ...more

This is mostly a armed services history. Every bit I am more than interested in graphic symbol evolution both nationally and individually, it wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped. We do see Jackson's will imposed on the disparate people of New Orleans, and this is interesting. Subsequently his victory, we meet this will as a picture of emerging national unity. This is generally a military history. As I am more than interested in grapheme development both nationally and individually, it wasn't quite as satisfying as I had hoped. Nosotros practice see Jackson'southward will imposed on the disparate people of New Orleans, and this is interesting. After his victory, nosotros see this will as a picture of emerging national unity. ...more

May 06, 2012 Greg Thiele rated it it was amazing

Remini has written a definitive and extremely readable account of the battle of New Orleans. He does a skillful task not simply of describing the campaign that resulted in the clash of armies near New Orleans, just besides places the battle in context as the first truly "American" victory. Remini has written a definitive and extremely readable business relationship of the battle of New Orleans. He does a skillful job not only of describing the campaign that resulted in the clash of armies nigh New Orleans, but as well places the battle in context as the first truly "American" victory. ...more than

A brilliant, colorful volume on a battle that had more consequences for America than nigh people ever realize. Remini'south book has been given high marks for great reasons, and you'll be done with this book before yous know it! A brilliant, colorful volume on a battle that had more consequences for America than virtually people ever realize. Remini'south book has been given loftier marks for nifty reasons, and you'll be done with this volume before y'all know it! ...more

Jan 22, 2013 John rated information technology it was astonishing

An amazing brusk history of the Battle of New Orleans. Tells the rest of the story, espcially regarding the whole surrounding campaign.

More often than not I constitute this to be a deeply thoughtful and detailed and enjoyable read in the genre of military history of the early American Republic.  The 1 real problem I have with this book is 1 of framing.  The author considered Great Britain to have been the ane real enemy of the U.s.a. and lamented the hostility between the U.s. and France during Adams' administration, which makes him a incomparably Anglophobic historian.  Additionally, the author seems to be a bit of a domicile Mostly I found this to exist a deeply thoughtful and detailed and enjoyable read in the genre of military history of the early American Democracy.  The one real problem I have with this book is one of framing.  The writer considered Great Britain to have been the one real enemy of the United States and lamented the hostility betwixt the United States and France during Adams' assistants, which makes him a incomparably Anglophobic historian.  Additionally, the author seems to be a fleck of a homer for Andrew Jackson (himself a deeply controversial human [i]), and this book expresses the unfortunate belief that New Orleans was the first war machine victory of the United states, which is untrue on all kinds of levels, whether 1 looks at America's colonial warfare alongside Bully Great britain, America's hit victories in the American Revolution, or the previous victories in the War of 1812, on land also equally on sea.  Beyond these faults of framing, though, and they are likely to be pervasive in the author's writing, the volume as a whole is an enjoyable narrative of a victory by a complex, polyglot force over military professionals who profoundly underestimated their opponents.

The book itself is about 200 pages long or then and begins with a narrative that sets the context for New Orleans in Jackson'southward successful moves on Mobile and Pensacola subsequently winning the Creek War (one), before looking at the state of New Orleans on the eve of the battle (2).  After this the author looks at the kickoff of the invasion (3) and Jackson's indecisive dark attack that blunted the British initiative (4).  A thoughtful give-and-take of a little-remembered artillery duel (v) precedes a discussion of the final preparations for a battle everyone knew was coming (six).  Afterwards this the writer spends a pregnant portion of fourth dimension discussing the main engagement on January eighth that led to the death of many soldiers and general officers among the British expeditionary force (seven) before discussing the last attack that failed to pause Jackson's defenses (eight).  The book then closes with a word of the repercussions of New Orleans for the conviction of the young commonwealth and the reputation Jackson gained as a result of his famous victory.  After this there are notes, a bibliography, and an index that provide some additional sources and commentary for the interested reader.

There are at least a few notable qualities of this book.  For 1, the writer appears to be greatly fond of Jacksonian commonwealth, and and so he tries to whitewash the racism that Jackson and the 19th century Democratic political party is so (rightly) associated with.  He also appears to take a strong agenda in pointing to the chapters of the U.s. to form a cohesive identity out of disparate elements, and the complex clamor of ethnicities and cultures in New Orleans certainly allows him the chance to show the heroism and canny pragmatism of Jackson and the other men of Tennessee and Kentucky, pirates similar the Lafitte brothers, and other vagabonds and exiles that fabricated up New Orleans' population.  Remini tends to exist a historian who is hostile to the New England WASPs of which I claim a fair amount of my ain ancestry and background and one wonders if this is history or merely some kind of cheerleading for populism in elegant and narrative disguise.  This book is a archetype instance of a work which can exist greatly enjoyed by a reader but whose perspective makes it impossible to trust the author'southward integrity in the purpose of his writing and in the larger ideological aims he appears to be aiming unsuccessfully at.

[i] Encounter, for case:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.weblog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.weblog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...

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This is a good quick book on an early battle in American history. Robert 5. Remini loves Andrew Jackson and he comes across heroic in this book. There is much to adore about Jackson; how he cared for his soldiers and put them first; he was aggressive when he needed to be but held back when attacking would get men killed for a long shot; his training and handling of the battle are first rate. Jackson was as well helped by the British. Even though their army was a veteran of the Napoleonic wars, This is a good quick book on an early on boxing in American history. Robert 5. Remini loves Andrew Jackson and he comes across heroic in this book. In that location is much to admire well-nigh Jackson; how he cared for his soldiers and put them start; he was ambitious when he needed to be but held back when attacking would go men killed for a long shot; his preparation and treatment of the battle are first rate. Jackson was also helped by the British. Even though their army was a veteran of the Napoleonic wars, their actions here left much to be desired. They were slow, arrogant and showed astonishing incompetence in planning out the campaign.

The book does open my optics as to the British in this fight. I take always heard the American side. It was besides as I suspected a campaign with intermittent fighting for over a month, until the assault on the American line on January. 8th, the bloodbath everyone remembers. The British did not fight this boxing anywhere near their capabilities. They did underestimate the Americans who were amend shots than they causeless. The real surprise was how well the American artillery handled itself as they went toe to toe with the British and got the better of them.

Remini loves Andrew Jackson too much. The regular army Jackson allowable was diverse with Americans, French Creoles, complimentary blacks, Choctaw Indians and sailors. Information technology had some veterans just by and large men who had never seen combat before. Jackson'due south treatment of this force is praised but knowing Jackson's racist views information technology makes 1 wonder how he handled each unit. Remini brushes over this making it seem like he treated them all the aforementioned but 1 has to wonder, did Jackson in some way run across these men as useful for his ambition? Did he change his views as the state of affairs required or did he just act equally the enlightened gentleman here? It is distressing when 1 realizes that afterward helping Jackson establish his reputation, that propelling him all the style to the White House, the Choctaws would yet be removed from their land by President Jackson twenty years afterwards the battle.

Robert V. Remini besides oversells the battle's importance by claiming this military victory was the get-go great victory for the United States as a country. It tin be argued that Saratoga and Yorktown were greater and had far more than significance. If it is based on the battle itself and the casualties, very few battles live upward to the ratio of the Americans inflicted on the British and in the end the boxing meant nothing as peace was already signed and the combatants would know within a calendar month.

This volume is a prissy introduction into the battle and mayhap Andrew Jackson. Just be prepared for the perspective to be very pro-Jackson.

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Jun ten, 2018 Ryan rated it really liked information technology

Recommends it for: armed services history fans, fans of history

This is a brusk book, approximately 200 pages, past Robert V. Remini focusing only on Andrew Jackson'southward role in the Battle of New Orleans during the State of war of 1812. The level of item included in this volume is precise giving the reader a snapshot of this often-forgotten war but important in forging the American character. The unison of different classes and ethnicities on the American side saw swashbuckling pirates, free Blacks, Creoles, Indians, frontier backwoodsmen, and French citizens, among others, This is a short book, approximately 200 pages, past Robert V. Remini focusing only on Andrew Jackson'south role in the Boxing of New Orleans during the State of war of 1812. The level of particular included in this book is precise giving the reader a snapshot of this oft-forgotten war merely important in forging the American grapheme. The unison of dissimilar classes and ethnicities on the American side saw swashbuckling pirates, complimentary Blacks, Creoles, Indians, borderland backwoodsmen, and French citizens, among others, united in their cause to dislodge and dispel the invading British forces from New Orleans. The Americans bear witness overwhelmingly victorious in this boxing soundly defeating the British while inflicting maximum carnage despite a peace treaty having been drawn up beforehand and non reaching Full general Jackson due to the glacial footstep in which news traveled in those days.

Military history fans volition peculiarly savor this retelling as it goes over war machine strategy and emplacements. More maps, still, would have proven useful in illustrating primal battles and surges. Overall, a fine book from the nearly prominent Jackson biographer that concentrates on this important and shocking American victory over arch nemesis Great Britain.

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Nosotros all have heard of this battle as the big battle won later on the War of 1812 was over. In the many books that I have read, all the stories basically stated that this boxing as over very apace and the Americans smashed the British. While Jackson and his army did smash the British, is was not quick nor guaranteed. If the British did succeed in taking New Orleans, the futurity of the US would accept been quite unlike.

This book went into this battle in off-white, simply not deep, item. From the pirates

We all have heard of this boxing as the big battle won after the War of 1812 was over. In the many books that I take read, all the stories basically stated that this battle every bit over very rapidly and the Americans smashed the British. While Jackson and his ground forces did boom the British, is was non quick nor guaranteed. If the British did succeed in taking New Orleans, the hereafter of the US would have been quite different.

This book went into this battle in fair, but not deep, detail. From the pirates under Lafitte, the Gratuitous Blacks, the French, the Creoles, the Cajuns, the Kentuckians, the Tennesseans, Choctaws and Cherokees, to the British side and all the heroes of the Peninsular War under Wellington. As with so many battles, a change here and change there could have had a very different outcome.

To say that the U.s.a. won the War of 1812, every bit taught in our schools, has e'er been laughable. What is undeniable is that the US did kick the British in the rear end in the Battle of New Orleans. This was a expert book to agreement why.

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Jan 16, 2020 H.R.R. Gorman rated it it was amazing

This book went through the details of the Battle of New Orleans and told in intricate particular what we know nearly how it went. Remini begins by albeit Jackson's force wasn't in technical or tactical know-how as much as in his charisma, his ability to keep disparate forces with piffling supplies in line, and the engineering science work his soldiers completed.

Merely as important, in Remini's opinion, were the blunders committed by the frightened, cold, and solitary English language. Though this was a full scale Br

This book went through the details of the Battle of New Orleans and told in intricate particular what we know about how it went. Remini begins by admitting Jackson's force wasn't in technical or tactical know-how as much as in his charisma, his ability to keep disparate forces with little supplies in line, and the engineering work his soldiers completed.

Only as important, in Remini's opinion, were the blunders committed past the frightened, common cold, and lonely English language. Though this was a full scale British Invasion, their knowledge well-nigh the lay of the land was limited and much of their planning poor. By the time they committed to boxing, they had near lost (except then their soldiers forgot the fascines and ladders, and that I think was the terminal straw).

The admission of weakness on the westward flank/bank was something I thought Remini wouldn't accept done, given his admiration of Jackson, simply I establish his objectivism about equally good equally it could be (given that the greatest criticism of Remini is lack of objectivism).

Caveat about this review: I beloved Remini'due south work. Pretty much all of it.

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Great overview of the boxing that changed America from a continental stepchild to a legitimate and independent nation in its own correct. Jackson gets total (and then some) credit for melding a crazy patchwork of whites, blacks and native americans into a cohesive fighting force and defeating the vastly superior British military.
Current revisionist history bated, he was a remarkable man...absolutely central in the shaping of the nation.

I listened to the audiobook and that's why I didn't charge per unit

Swell overview of the battle that changed America from a continental stepchild to a legitimate and independent nation in its own right. Jackson gets full (and then some) credit for melding a crazy patchwork of whites, blacks and native americans into a cohesive fighting force and defeating the vastly superior British military.
Current revisionist history aside, he was a remarkable man...absolutely cardinal in the shaping of the nation.

I listened to the audiobook and that's why I didn't rate it five stars. The narration wasn't up to par, peculiarly at the faster speeds I typically listen at. Great narration holds up at double speed, this I had to run at x1.25 to clearly sympathise. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't suck and I'd recommend it to a friend, but it did detract a little.

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Readable and clear history of the important battle during the State of war of 1812 (that lasted until Feb xviii, 1815) between the British and the Americans. Volume focuses heavily on the military conflict and key players involved. Information technology definitely gave me a skillful portrait of what happened and some of the historical important, specially as a definitive military victory over the British's best units. That said, I didn't feel like the book add much of a human or narrative element to the telling of the events. Readable and clear history of the important battle during the War of 1812 (that lasted until February 18, 1815) between the British and the Americans. Volume focuses heavily on the war machine disharmonize and key players involved. It definitely gave me a good portrait of what happened and some of the historical important, especially every bit a definitive war machine victory over the British'south best units. That said, I didn't feel like the book add much of a human being or narrative element to the telling of the events.

Definitely recommended for someone looking to improve understand of this military battle just if you lot are looking for more about the people involved, like Andrew Jackson, soldiers themselves or British leaders, you might want to look to other books.

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I would actually rate this a two.five, but I gave it the do good of the dubiety as a nonfiction book. It's always harder to get and maintain a reader's attention with nonfiction.

At that place were some parts of the volume, similar the caption of the governor's interactions with the pirates that I constitute very interesting. Of course in that location are plenty of pirates (and worse) that took part in the history and building of our nation. Some of them were acceptable, or at least became acceptable in the retelling of histor

I would really rate this a 2.5, but I gave information technology the do good of the doubt equally a nonfiction book. Information technology's always harder to get and maintain a reader's attending with nonfiction.

At that place were some parts of the book, like the explanation of the governor's interactions with the pirates that I found very interesting. Of course there are plenty of pirates (and worse) that took part in the history and building of our nation. Some of them were acceptable, or at least became acceptable in the retelling of history. Other "pirates" ask to be of aid and are rejected.

Other parts were like a really slow play by play of the battle events. That was irksome.

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April 01, 2022 Tim rated information technology it was astonishing

I take a couple of Remini'southward books (and met him several years ago at a conference), and his prose is always a joy to read. This book is an excellent analysis of this pivotal engagement in American history. While Jackson had his faults (without question), I walked abroad from this reading reminded of his excellent qualities as a leader that all leaders should learn.

When I was in college, one of my professors made a great deal of the fact that the War of 1812 was the "second war for American independ

I have a couple of Remini's books (and met him several years agone at a conference), and his prose is always a joy to read. This book is an excellent analysis of this pivotal engagement in American history. While Jackson had his faults (without question), I walked away from this reading reminded of his excellent qualities every bit a leader that all leaders should larn.

When I was in college, one of my professors made a corking deal of the fact that the War of 1812 was the "second state of war for American independence." The more I read on this subject--including this work by Remini--the more than I am convinced that he was correct in his presentation.

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Jul 03, 2012 Jerome rated information technology liked information technology

A quick and well-written if not specially engaging history of the Battle of New Orleans. Remini argues for the battle'south significance every bit a historical turning point for the US, and asserts that "well-nigh all the characteristics that can exist ascribed to Americans today evolved at this time."

Remini'southward chief argument is that the battle convinced Europe that the United states was and would remain a sovereign nation. As the title suggests, Remini argues that the boxing was "one of the great turning points in Ame

A quick and well-written if not particularly engaging history of the Battle of New Orleans. Remini argues for the battle's significance as a historical turning betoken for the US, and asserts that "near all the characteristics that can be ascribed to Americans today evolved at this fourth dimension."

Remini'southward chief argument is that the battle convinced Europe that the Usa was and would remain a sovereign nation. Every bit the title suggests, Remini argues that the battle was "one of the great turning points in American history" also as America's "first military victory" against a European nation--apparently Yorktown and Saratoga were mere British "surrenders" rather than decisive American victories. Oddly, when Remini describes the history of the war earlier New Orleans, he portrays information technology equally an unbroken cord of American defeats. Patently Remini does this to support the assertion that New Orleans was America's "offset armed services victory," meaning he makes no mention of previous US victories in the aforementioned war like Fort Harrison (the real first US country victory of the war), Craney Island, Frenchtown, York, Fort George, Baltimore (technically), Fort Erie, Plattsburgh, and the many U.s.a. naval victories on the Bang-up Lakes and the loftier seas. It's i thing if a publisher forced Remini to adopt the title, quite another if Remini chooses to believe that New Orleans was America's "outset military victory" against all the prove. Elsewhere Remini describes New Orleans every bit America's "starting time armed forces victory of whatever significance." Apparently, this doesn't make for as catchy a title.

Nonetheless, this is a well-written history of the battle. Remini shows how Jackson, following his defeat of the Creeks and capture of the Castilian forts in West Florida, moved to New Orleans to defend it against the British. Although the British were only interested in ending the war with a British victory (the peace treaty had already been signed in Ghent, although the news had withal to arrive), many feared that the British were trying to make a conquest of some sort. The American victory would cement Jackson's political future. The British apparently failed to take away whatsoever lessons from the battle, and would go on their honey "accuse the cannons head-on" tactics that would neglect so spectacularly in the Crimea and elsewhere. The Americans, on the other hand, seem to have learned some lessons about the viability of a professional army, at to the lowest degree in this instance.

Although his treatment of the battle is brilliant, Remini fails to really give the story any humanity. He does give us great portraits of Jackson, Pakenham, and the Lafitte brothers, although his handling of Jackson sometimes verges on hero worship, and his treatment of the lower ranks is somewhat lacking. Notwithstanding, his descriptions of the various engagements is vivid, especially the main assault of Jan 8th, and the maps are helpful and do nifty chore highlighting the terrain.

Oddly, Remini relies on only two primary sources regarding the British side of the boxing, ignoring official reports. He also claims that the Americans spiked the guns on the west banking concern, that the British planned to burn New Orleans, and that the Americans completely silenced British artillery at 1 point. None of this is proven in any of the main sources. He also repeats the at present-debunked "booty and beauty" myth regarding the British army's aims, and probably exaggerates the accurateness of American rifle burn during the boxing. At some other point he recounts a tale of Choctaws raiding the British military camp, or militia firing a vi-pounder on the British by night. None of these incidents are substantiated. At another point Remini claims Jackson went five days without a meal. Remini likewise ignores the slaves and free blacks that fought on both sides of the battle. Again, Remini seems to be quite fond of Jackson, and he makes no mention of Jackson's need that the defeated British render all slaves that had escaped to their lines, a need the British refused.

Remini writes of United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland'due south "grand plans of conquest" and claims that the British intended to march all the way up the Mississippi to the Keen Lakes, even though at that place is no evidence to propose this. Remini asserts that if Jackson had been defeated at New Orleans, the British would have invaded the Mississippi Valley and joined a British invasion forcefulness from Canada. Not just is in that location no show to back up this, it seems pretty far-fetched; the British government actually had piddling hope that Pakenham's forces could even temporarily occupy more than New Orleans. All the British regime wanted at this point was to end the state of war with a British tactical victory on their function; they weren't even sure where Pakenham was headed, and probably didn't care. Besides, why would the British ready out on a war of conquest after having ended a peace treaty with the United states of america the previous month? The American victory at New Orleans, afterward all, did not prevent the British from raiding other targets afterwards the boxing, such every bit the Georgia coast. Remini also writes that "Old Hickory and his troops understood the significance of their overwhelming victory. They had achieved something no other nation could lucifer: the thorough and consummate thrashing of a British army." Elsewhere Remini refers to the "atrocities of General James Wilkinson during the Aaron Burr conspiracy." And there a few typos similar "amphibian force," and some annoying exclamation marks.

A stirring history of the boxing, with a gripping narrative, but non without some drawbacks.

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Sep thirty, 2021 Jaret rated it liked it

The volume was written with a narrative tone that fabricated it more readable than a traditional historical text. The author is very pro-Jackson and made him come up across the hero in every upshot. He was a human, and therefore had his faults and made his mistakes (as nosotros all practise). Other important influences to the tide of the battle appeared to be glossed over quickly. As much as I appreciated the narrative style (it was easy to read), I would accept liked more than information nigh the events and how they The volume was written with a narrative tone that made it more than readable than a traditional historical text. The author is very pro-Jackson and made him come across the hero in every event. He was a human being being, and therefore had his faults and made his mistakes (every bit nosotros all practise). Other important influences to the tide of the boxing appeared to be glossed over quickly. Every bit much as I appreciated the narrative mode (it was easy to read), I would have liked more information about the events and how they related to the balance of the war. ...more than

Aug 03, 2019 Tom rated it actually liked it

I have found it hard to view Andrew Jackson as annihilation but a negative in American history due to his removal of Native Americans from traditional homelands in the Southeast. Robert Five. Remini here details Jackson's central role in the battle to salve New Orleans. And he too attributes the battle, and Jackson, for creating the republic we have at present - uniquely plural, American and distinct from that created by the founding fathers and our emergence from our colonial past. I have found it hard to view Andrew Jackson as annihilation simply a negative in American history due to his removal of Native Americans from traditional homelands in the Southeast. Robert Five. Remini hither details Jackson's fundamental role in the boxing to save New Orleans. And he also attributes the battle, and Jackson, for creating the republic nosotros take now - uniquely plural, American and singled-out from that created past the founding fathers and our emergence from our colonial past. ...more

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