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History General

Iroquois in the War of 1812

by (author) Carl Benn

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Oct 1998
Category
General, 19th Century, Native American Studies
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802081452
    Publish Date
    Oct 1998
    List Price
    $45.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442681514
    Publish Date
    May 2004
    List Price
    $81.00
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802043214
    Publish Date
    Oct 1998
    List Price
    $62.00

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Description

Until now, the story of Iroquois participation in the War of 1812 has not received detailed examination, and there have consequently been major gaps in our understanding of the Iroquois, their relations with Euroamerican society, and the course of the war itself. The Iroquois in the War of 1812 proves that, in fact, the Six Nations' involvement was 'too significant to ignore.'

Benn explores this involvement by focusing on Iroquois diplomatic, military, and cultural history during the conflict. He looks at the Iroquois' attempts to stay out of the war, their entry into hostilities, their modes of warfare, the roles they played in different campaigns, their relationships with their allies, and the effects that the war had on their society. He also details the military and diplomatic strength of the Iroquois during the conflict, despite the serious tensions that plagued their communities.

This account reveals how the British benefited more than the Americans from the contributions of their Iroquois allies, and underscores how important the Six Nations were to the successful defence of Canada. It will appeal to general readers in both Canada and the United States and will have relevance for students and scholars of military, colonial, and Native history.

About the author

Carl Benn is a professor of history at Ryerson University in Toronto. His books include Mohawks on the Nile: Natives among the Canadian Voyagers in Egypt, 1884–85, The War of 1812, and The Iroquois in the War of 1812.

Carl Benn's profile page