| January 8 |  |
Editor says, what if the United States lost the Battle of New Orleans in 1814 asks Andrew Beane? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s).
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In 1815, on this day American forces, led by General Andrew Jackson (pictured), surrendered to the British Army on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near Chalmette Plantation. After sixteen days of fighting, and fifteen days after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent that formally ended the so-called War of 1812, the British Empire scored a decisive victory against the United States.
US Defeated at New Orleans, Andrew BeaneIn the early hours of January 8, British Major-General Edward Pakenham ordered a two-pronged assault against the remainder of Jackson's force. The American soldiers, who had been pushed to the west bank of the river, had no time to prepare earthwork defenses or artillery before the British assault. Lt-Col Thomas Mullins, the commander of Britain?s 44th (East Essex) Regiment of Foot, lead the main attack against Jackson under the cover of fog. Despite heavy losses on the part of British forces, the Americans were only able to mount minimal resistance. Major General Mullins was able to capture General Jackson and secure the west bank in time to fend off the newly-arrived American 7th Infantry.
This was a stunning victory for the British, after over two years of bitter fighting. The fall of New Orleans, which serves as the gateway to the Louisiana territory, places America?s western holdings in jeopardy. The British victory was so strong that it could effectively nullify the Treaty of Ghent. As British veterans from the recently-ended war against Napoleon Bonaparte begin to arrive in Louisiana, America will be forced to organize a properly-mobilized counter attack or risk a prolonged struggle against the British Crown.
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Andrew Beane
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Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Andrews Posts Source: Wikipedia Labels: New Orleans, 1812, Andrew Jackson, United States, Great Britain. Comment from Jeff Mayers on Facebook: Well, the only thing that I can say would have been diffrent is that Andrew Jackson would probably never been elected President in 1828, and all that entailed from that(no Jackson on the $20 bill, etc.). Other than that, it probably would not have changed much since the Treaty of Ghent was already signed that ended the War of 1812.
Comment from David Fowler on Facebook: That would have been bad.
~ The S would have really hit the F if this had happened, since by 1815 even in our history the war had become deeply controversial because of earlier failures and widespread reports of mismanagement and corruption within the armed forces. There was even talk of secession in some Northeastern states. In the aftermath of a U.S. defeat, one could have expected the British to encourage sectional strife within the USA.
The only way the British could have messed things up is by too obviously making a direct grab for control over one or more U.S. states or territories. Thst might have united U.S. popular opinion against them enough to make a "prolonged struggle" politically possible.
~ British had never recognized the Louisiana Purchase. So they would have had every right not to return New Orleans.
~ What Scott said. However, no matter whose flag flew over New Orleans, in the long run the majority of the Purchase would be American. Too many people wanting it, and by 1815 there were too many Americans on the west side of the Mighty Miss, too deeply entrenched, for the British to bother getting rid of them. Probably we'd end up having to re-purchase New Orleans itself.
~ How attached were the trans-mississippi settlers to Washington. The factional strife mentioned as promotable could easily include a mid-continental republic....
~ It wouldn't nulify the Treaty of Ghent, any more than the American victory acquired Canada for the US. The British would be stuck in the city, unable to move, vastly outnumbered by the local population. Besides, by that time, the British were sick of war and just wanted to get back to the business of running their empire.
~ And as a reply to Jeff Mayers, without Andrew Jasckson in the White House, the Bank of the United States would have had its charter renewed, and the country would likely have been spared a century of bank panics. And the government of honest, pragmatic, philosophers and political scientists that the country enjoyed through the age of John Quincy Adams would have been extended, perhaps by another generation. Imagine, President Daniel Webster...
~ And then since this happened after the signing of the treaty of Ghent, Britain would have to give it all back without anything in return unlike the deal in which Britain returned Louisbourg to the French after the Amercan colonials had taken it in 1745 . It is possible, since Jackson did not have most of his forces at New Orleans at the time, he could gather forces and drive the Brits from the port by time news of the Peace came. If he does not, his political career is dead.
~ I have to agree with what Michael, Stan and Jeff said. It would've been awful for Jackson, and it certainly could've affected the Bank of the United States, but I don't think relations with Britain would've been much different.
~ I add my voice to the chorus, the treaty was already signed so the USA would quickly get the city back, the UK army would withdraw as soon as they got their orders. On the other hand Andrew Jackson would be on a quest to reclaim his 'good' name and is likely to do risky things in the future to try and prove himself as an able leader. Either he will succeed and be covered in glory, or he will be cashiered out of the military for picking fights and trying to precipitate a new war, probably over Florida or Cuba.
~ Good points by Mr. Brin. Probably not too likely given the social norms, but a less anti-Indian president would have changed the course of Indian removal. Perhaps no removal at all?
~ An English twist on the Louisiana swamplands? Probably would have evolved into a great tourist attraction.
~ No Comment
~ FYI the Chalmette Plantation is on the East Bank of the Mississippi River. I have been there. IMHO, a British victory would not necessarily mean a British New Orleans, but maybe a few years down the road a British Texas.
~ I say, that's a cracking possibility, y'all.
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