War on the doorstep: Virginia in the War of 1812

When the War of 1812 began, the United States--and Virginia in particular--was unprepared for war with Great Britain. The war was not in the best interest of many residents of the Old Dominion. They loudly expressed their opposition to "Mr. Madison's war." The war was ostensibly fought in defense of "sailors' rights and free trade." But instead of deploying on the Atlantic coast, most of the US Army served on the Canadian border. This left the defense of states such as Virginia in the hands of the militia. Though British objectives in the Chesapeake were limited, the war impacted Virginia politically, economically, and militarily. By examining Virginia's role in the War of 1812, it is hoped this thesis will generate interest in a neglected subject, leading to further research.