Chapters 18-19 Summary and Analysis

"Peace Giver" looks at Jackson's transferring to the U.S. Army and concluding the Treaty of Fort Jackson, while "The Spanish Front" shows Jackson dealing with the remaining threat in Florida before he can turn attention to New Orleans, the war's "prize." War normally unites rivals in common cause, but increases the political void in the War of 1812. Federalists blame Republicans for disrupting commerce and refuse to cooperate in Congress, while Republicans lump Federalists together with Tories as traitors. Clay declares that Madison is "unfit for the storms of war" - too benevolent, hesitant, and tardy. Napoleon's faltering at Moscow and retreat frees British forces to concentrate on America. In the summer of 1814, troops land in Maryland, march on Washington, and, lacking sufficient numbers to occupy the capitol, burn select landmarks in retaliation for an American raid on York...