4 U.S. Historical Opinions (The British Say Are B.S.)

4 U.S. Historical Opinions (The British Say Are B.S.)

Well, I noticed that the British guys seemed to have missed one detail on the War of 1812. At the Battle of New Orleans, they suffered the worst military defeat in the history of the world, one that will probably never be topped. The Americans kicked their asses about a zillion times worse than Henry V defeated the French at Agincourt.

After the January 8th battle was over, around 500 British soldiers who had pretended to be dead rose up and surrendered to the Americans. In the space of just twenty-five minutes, the British lost 700 killed, 1400 wounded, and those 500 prisoners, a total loss of 2600 men; American losses were only seven killed and six wounded. No, not seven hundred and six hundred. Just seven and six. Thirteen men lost versus 2600 - an incomprehensible ratio of 200-to-one. (The ratio was something like ten-to-one at the famous Battle of Agincourt, and that was considered such a slaughter that it resulted in the British king being made heir to the French throne.)

And the British started with an overwhelming advantage in force. They attacked with 8000 trained combatants. Andrew Jackson defended the city with 1100 regulars and 3600 volunteers.

So I can see why the British might want to forget that day.

Moreover, the utter incompetence of the British troops ultimately propelled Andrew Jackson into the Presidency, and while Ol' Hickory was a fine general, he was a despicable human being who had no business being in the White House. He made no attempt to hide his blatant racism against Africans, Mexicans and Native Americans, even though many free blacks and Choctaw warriors had helped him defend N'Orleans. And in terms of personality, he made Donald Trump seem as refined and dignified as Audrey Hepburn.

So thanks for that, British Generals.