The Battle of New Orleans: Why Americans Honored Its Victory while Ignoring Other War Events

Americans today don’t realize that the Battle of New Orleans, which they cherish, occurred after the Treaty of Ghent was signed, but before it took effect. After this pivotal battle, the British were planning to take Fort Bowyer and invade Mobile, only to be told the war was over. This article explores why Americans glorify the Battle of New Orleans, while conveniently ignoring other major battles, especially the ones they lost.

Why Americans Celebrate the Battle of New Orleans

It is often said that Americans glorify the Battle of New Orleans, but for many, this is hilariously wrong. Today, most people have only a vague idea that the battle ever happened. Only those who are aware of it heard about a novelty song from the 1950s. However, 150 years ago, the Battle of New Orleans was a significant event that brought joy and pride to the American people. This small, recently independent nation triumphed against the world’s largest empire, a struggle that many at the time considered a major miracle.

Americans and the War of 1812

The War of 1812 saw mixed results for the Americans. They made no progress on the Niagara Peninsula, despite having most of their professional army involved in the campaign. The local British and Native forces were outclassed. In contrast, the British burned Washington D.C. to the ground during the Chesapeake campaign because the regular British forces overwhelmed larger local militia forces. Similarly, the 1815 British campaign had similar results until the Battle of New Orleans. Despite having roughly equal numbers—that is, 5000 personnel each—from the American forces were mostly militia, while the entire British force consisted of battle-hardened Napoleonic War veterans. Yet, the Battle of New Orleans was a resounding American victory.

Amy Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans

Bringing in the Battle of New Orleans itself, one must mention the pivotal role of General Andrew Jackson, a 48-year-old veteran of the American War of Independence. Jackson led a force of 2000 volunteers and secured a narrow defendable point on the peninsula, where he built low earthworks and stationed his forces. This tactical positioning, coupled with a massive American crossfire and the death of their British general, Sir Edward Pakenham (36 years old and a career military officer), led to a crushing defeat for the British.

While the British forces managed to kill, wound, or capture over 2000 men, America’s casualties were minimal, with only 71. This victory was likened to the destruction of the Death Star in the Star Wars movies. This major triumph in 1815 restored confidence in America’s ability to defend itself. Andrew Jackson, as a result, became a national hero and eventually the President of the United States, the single biggest victory of the United States in this war.

Conclusion About American War of 1812 and Their Historical Memory

In sum, while Americans do remember and celebrate the Battle of New Orleans, it is crucial to understand the larger context of the War of 1812. Despite their love for this battle, many other significant and costly events, like the Battle of Pearl Harbor, are also remembered. The Battle of New Orleans stands out as a major victory, but Americans often ignore the mixed bag of results and the eventual end of the war, which came before the battle's outcome. In the tapestry of American history, the Battle of New Orleans is a significant thread, not a glorious standalone event.