Date
5-22-2024
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Arts in History - Thesis (MA)
Chair
Christopher Smith
Keywords
American History, U.S. Army, War of 1812
Disciplines
History
Recommended Citation
Ogden, Schuyler C., "Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum, If You Want Peace Prepare for War: The U.S. Army and the War of 1812" (2024). Masters Theses. 1162.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/1162
Abstract
When thinking of the War of 1812, many people may think about Fort McHenry and the Star-Spangled Banner. They may also think about the only time when the American capitol was burned. Or they think about Andrew Jackson and his triumphant victory at New Orleans. Other than these, most Americans do not think about the War of 1812. In fact, the war is all but forgotten in most American minds. Despite this, this early American conflict is still worth looking at. Not because it was a success, but because it brought up much needed changes to American policies. Some of these needed changes were concentrated on reforming the military, particularly the army. What started out as a group of “amateurs at arms” was eventually molded into a more professional fighting force. The War of 1812 was the period where the United States Army began a change in policies that guided it towards standing professionalization.
