While some wars are remembered forever, others quickly fade away. The War of 1812 has all but disappeared from American history, which might lead one to erroneously assume that it was not terribly important. Although there was no clear winner, this conflict deeply affected all participants. The Americans were proud that they had taken on one of the world's greatest powers and were not crushed. Britain still managed to hold onto its colonies, strengthening both their loyalty and identity as Canadians. The only real losers were the native peoples, who saw their claims to the land further eroded. The war was far from dull. There was plenty of action on the diplomatic front, as well as stirring encounters on land and at sea, many of which are carefully described in the entries in The A to Z of the War of 1812. Others deal with the more significant political and military figures; ships and weaponry; and the role of the British, Canadians, Native Americans, and the fledgling and not yet convincingly "United" States. The introduction presents an overview of the war, while the chronology outlines significant events. An extensive bibliography provides access for further studies that will be useful to those discovering just how important this war was. -- Back cover