A reference source for research on the European war of 1812, this text covers a broad range of topics, presented in short essays. The significant military, political, and diplomatic figures, from John Quincy Adams to Castlereagh, are examined, as are the key battles. The latter include the Battle of Tippecanoe, and the sea battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere. Another feature of this text is the inclusion of various famous (or infamous) quotations from the period. For example: "Gunboats are the only water defence which can be useful to us, and protect us from the ruinous folly of a navy" (Jefferson, June 1812).