The War of 1812 began with much confidence among U.S. leaders.

Thomas Jefferson predicted that the conquest of Canada was “a mere matter of marching.” But, as historian Richard V. Barbuto points out, “Mr. Madison’s War” found the U.S. government in debt, the Royal Navy raiding our coasts and British troops burning the White House. The conflict was hugely unpopular with American citizens.

How did we get into this war ... and how did we win it?

Barbuto is deputy director of the Department of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth.