This concise resource covers the War of 1812 by providing a detailed overview of an often overlooked war. The almanac section explores the causes of the war, key battles, the role of the U.S. Navy, the American plan to conquer Canada, the success of the U.S.S. Constitution ("Old Ironsides") and more, while the biography section profiles major players involved in the conflict such as: < ul> < li> James Madison < li> Jean Laffite < li> Mary Pickersgill < li> British Major General Robert Ross < li> Andrew Jackson < li> Francis Scott Key < li> And many others< /ul> < P> Also included are excerpts of primary source material from the period, a chronology of events, sidebars, a glossary of "Words to Know," research and activity ideas, an index and a list of further reading sources.