Glorious Victory: Andrew Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans by Donald R. Hickey (review)

If you read only one book about the Battle of New Orleans, this concise account by the leading historian of the War of 812 would be a good selection. Hickey’s beautifully written narrative is a synthesis of the latest research on the battle and the war leading to it. It is nicely illustrated and contains excellent maps.

Hickey begins with an overview of the causes of the War of 1812. He views the United States as a “reluctant belligerent” (6) compelled by honor to “vindicate the nation’s rights and independence” (8). Those who focus on land hunger and animosity towards Native Americans might place greater emphasis on those factors, but Hickey does discuss the Northwest Indian War of 1811, which he notes ultimately “blended into” the larger war (13). Laying the background for early American disasters in the war, he focuses on the lack of planning and inadequate funding for the military as well as the supply issues which plagued American operations. His introductory chapters on the background and course of the war provide adequate coverage of main events.

In chapter two, attention turns to Andrew Jackson’s early life and career. Chapter three provides a balanced summary of the Creek War. Hickey notes that the conflict began as a response to American demands for accommodation by the Creek National Council following raids and murders of frontier settlers by Red Stick Creeks. He traces the course of the war, from civil conflict to war involving the United States. Hickey then covers the larger war as it developed along the Gulf Coast. The final chapter covers the action in New Orleans, “the biggest and bloodiest single engagement” of the war (112). He traces the trajectory of battle and the importance of artillery in securing Jackson’s victory. The lopsided casualty figures may be attributed to artillery, but the senior scholar also examines Jackson’s generalship, singling out Jackson’s common sense, intuition, and ability to see the “big picture” in both the Creek War and New Orleans campaigns as key elements of his success. He follows up with an account of the Fort Bowyer campaign and events around Mobile.

One of the most interesting aspects of this work is the “Epilogue,” in which Professor Hickey examines historical memory and the legacy of the war and the Battle of New Orleans. Noting that Indians were the biggest losers, he also examines the biggest winner: Andrew Jackson, exploring the myths and symbols associated with Jackson’s victory and whether or not the Battle of New Orleans, which took place after the peace treaty had been finalized, actually mattered.

The book should appeal to anyone with an interest in American history. This succinct and very balanced account of the war, the battle, and the general will be useful for teachers, students, and anyone who needs a refresher course on why the War of 1812 was not only important but inherently interesting.