Oh Say Can You See...?

WAR of 1812; HULL, William, 1753-1825; PATRIOTISM; SIEGE of Detroit, 1812; COURTS-martial & courts of inquiry; JACKSON, Andrew, 1767-1845; TREASON; BATTLE of New Orleans, La., 1815

The article examines the case of U.S. General William Hull during the War of 1812, in which he surrendered his forces to the British in Detroit, Michigan, and his subsequent trial for treason as a means to explain the conflict's impact on the development of American patriotism and the relationship between war and emotion. More specifically, the author examines the charge brought against Hull during his court-martial that he failed to inspire zeal among his troops. Hull's treatment is then contrasted with that of General and future U.S. President Andrew Jackson following his decisive victory in the Battle of New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1815.