As part of the United States Navy Memorial’s Authors on Deck book lecture series, historian and award-winning author George C. Daughan will present his latest work, 1812: The Navy’s War (Basic Books; October 4, 2011).  Guests are invited to learn about the often-overlooked history of what has been called our Second War of Independence.  Encompassing political, diplomatic, economic and military history, Daughan brings the battles to life, putting them into context with the larger war, and showing how America could not have won without its foundling Navy.  Following the presentation, Daughan will be available for a Q&A session and book signing.

Two hundred years ago, the United States and Great Britain fought each other in a conflict that changed the shape of the world.  Daughan offers a comprehensive and vivid account of that conflict, arguing that it is impossible to fully understand the war without an appreciation for how a ragtag team of American commanders, seamen and privateers took on and defeated the most powerful navy in the world.  According to Daughan, “The U.S. Navy’s role in bringing about Britain’s newfound respect for the United States was critical.”

George Daughan holds a Ph.D. in American History and Government from Harvard University and is a recipient of the 2008 Samuel Eliot Morison Award for his previous book, If By Sea: The Forging of the American Navy – From the Revolution to the War of 1812.  He spent three years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and served as an instructor and director of the MA program in International Affairs at the Air Force Academy.  Subsequently, he taught at the University of Colorado, University of New Hampshire, Wesleyan University and Connecticut College. He resides in Portland, Maine.