This interesting book examines the events and people who were involved in the War of 1812 between the United States and what would later become Canada. Unusal for a war, the conflict ended with friendly relations established and no major loss of territory for either country. However, an examination of primary and secondary source materials reveals the War of 1812 is remembered differently in each country, as well as by the Indigenous peoples whose territory and dreams of an independent nation east of the Mississippi River vanished.

Introduction: the past comes alive -- Historical sources: types of evidence -- Analyzing evidence: interpretation -- The story uncovered: the War of 1812 -- Evidence revisited: different views -- Modern examples: history repeated.