December 14, 2020
The War of 1812 ended in a way that left plenty of room for debate. Depending on who you ask, it was either a hard-fought victory, a necessary defense, or a war that should have never happened. What isn't up for debate is the role the Marine Corps and the Navy played in shaping its outcome. From the defense of New Orleans to the actions of privateers on the open sea, Marines were there, boarding enemy ships, manning fortifications, and holding the line. Yet, their contributions are often overlooked in favor of more well-known figures like Andrew Jackson. Today, we're setting the record straight. We'll break down the impact of the Corps during this war, the political and military shifts that followed, and how America, fresh off this conflict, found itself immediately preparing for another one. This time against the Barbary pirates of Algiers.
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