Book Gossip
Over on NRO's The Corner, there has been some discussion of the "conservative" view of Napoleon and the War of 1812...
WAR OF 1812 [John J. Miller]
Jonah: The United States did not "join Napoleon" against the British, as one of your correspondents claims. In fact, the War of 1812 was nearly fought against both countries--President Madison gave serious thought to declaring war on France, and the Senate narrowly rejected a declaration of war against the French, by a vote of 18-14. It is merely a coincidence that the United States and France fought Britain at the same time--and completely wrong to suggest that we were allies in any way. Napoleon never was a friend to America. And don't even get me started on the Louisiana Purchase. Or at least wait until my forthcoming book is available, in October. It's called Our Oldest Enemy: A History of America's Disastrous Relationship with France.
Matt's Chat
This looks like another great read...
