Peter Snow

When Britain Burned the White House (eBook, ePUB)

The 1814 Invasion of Washington

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

As heard on BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week.

Shortlisted for the Paddy Power Political History Book of the Year Award 2014.

In August 1814 the United States' army is defeated in battle by an invading force just outside Washington DC. The US president and his wife have just enough time to pack their belongings and escape from the White House before the enemy enters. The invaders tuck into the dinner they find still sitting on the dining-room table and then set fire to the place.

9/11 was not the first time the heartland of the United States was struck a devastating blow by outsiders. Two centuries earlier, Britain - now America's close friend, then its bitterest enemy - set Washington ablaze before turning its sights to Baltimore.

In his compelling narrative style, Peter Snow recounts the fast-changing fortunes of both sides of this extraordinary confrontation, the outcome of which inspired the writing of the 'Star-Spangled Banner', America's national anthem. Using a wealth of material including eyewitness accounts, he also describes the colourful personalities on both sides of these spectacular events: Britain's fiery Admiral Cockburn, the cautious but immensely popular army commander Robert Ross, and sharp-eyed diarists James Scott and George Gleig. On the American side: beleaguered President James Madison, whose young nation is fighting the world's foremost military power, his wife Dolley, a model of courage and determination, military heroes such as Joshua Barney and Sam Smith, and flawed incompetents like Army Chief William Winder and War Secretary John Armstrong.

When Britain Burned the White House highlights this unparalleled moment in American history, its far-reaching consequences for both sides and Britain's and America's decision never again to fight each other.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: John Murray Press
• Erscheinungstermin: 2. September 2013
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781848546127
• Artikelnr.: 39504179

Autorenporträt

Peter Snow is a highly respected journalist, author and broadcaster. He was ITN`s Diplomatic and Defence Correspondent from 1966 to 1979 and presented Newsnight from 1980 to 1997. An indispensable part of election nights, he has also covered military matters on and off the world`s battlefields for forty years. Peter is married and has six children.

Inhaltsangabe

1. Eager souls panting for fame (17 August)
2. The great little Madison (17 August)
3. Into the Patuxent (18-19 August)
4. A black floating mass of smoke (20-22 August)
5. Not till I see Mr Madison safe (23 August)
6. Be it so, we will proceed (24 August, morning)
7. Bladensburg: a fi ne scamper (24 August, afternoon)
8. Barney's last stand (24 August, afternoon)
9. Save that painting! (24 August, evening)
10. The barbarous purpose (24 August, evening)
11. The dreadful majesty of the flames (24 August, night)
12. Damn you! You shan't stay in my house (25 August)
13. Into the Potomac (26-27 August)
14. A tempest of dissatisfaction (28-29 August)
15. Do not attack Baltimore! (End of August)
16. Is my wife alive and well? (End of August)
17. The star-shaped fort and its banner (1-11 September)
18. Many heads will be broken tonight (12 September)
19. The Battle of North Point (12 September)
20. The rockets' red glare (13 September)
21. You go on at your peril (13 September)
22. Unparalleled in history (Aftermath)