Author Richard V. Barbuto Looks at 1812 When America Was on the
Ropes October 9, 2012 Unpopular wars are hardly new to the
United States. In 1812 the administration of James Madison led a
reluctant nation into an unpopular war against the formidable
British Empire. Author Richard V. Barbuto examines 1812: America
on the Ropes on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the
Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. The War of 1812 began with much
confidence among U.S. leaders. Thomas Jefferson predicted that
the conquest of Canada was "a mere matter of marching." But
after six months of fighting, British and Canadian troops and
their native allies had thrown back three U.S. invasion attempts
and had captured Detroit. Soon the Royal Navy was prowling
American shores, capturing vessels and raiding towns. Britain
threatened to seize more American territory, the federal
government slipped deeper into debt., and British troops even
burned the White House. Much of the American public blamed the
president personally, calling