For two and a half years, Americans fought against the British, Canadian colonists and native nations. Some of the War of 1812's battles and heroes became legendary, yet its blunders and cowards were just as prominent. This film shows how the glories of war become enshrined in history, how failures are quickly forgotten and how inconvenient truths are ignored forever. With stunning re-enactments, evocative animation and the incisive commentary of key experts, The War of 1812 presents the conflict that forged the destiny of a continent.
The War of 1812 was originally broadcast on 10/10/2011 on PBS.