Focusing on the oceanic war rather than on the war in the Great Lakes, this study charts the War of 1812 from the perspectives of the two opposing navies at sea; one the largest navy in the world, the other a small, upstart navy just three decades old.

Focusing on the oceanic war rather than the war in the Great Lakes, this study charts the War of 1812 from the perspectives of the two opposing navies at sea one of the largest fleets in the world and a small, upstart navy just three decades old. Unlike other books on the subject, this work offers a balanced appraisal of the war on the high seas, taking into account the strategic considerations of both sides and how the leadership from each side assessed, planned, and implemented operational concepts. Drawing on a wealth of British and American archival sources, McCranie guides the through the strategic decision making processes on both sides of the Atlantic. He demonstrates vividly their impact of those decisions on the course of the war at sea, where the contest was close and deadly. Indeed, the author's action-packed accounts of battles hold special appeal.