This Day Andrew Jackson Takes Control (1815) [Part 2]
Jan 22, 2026
Explore the chaos of the Battle of New Orleans, where Andrew Jackson's guerrilla tactics turned the tide. Discover General Pakenham's costly mistakes and how pirate Jean Lafitte became an unlikely ally. The battle, though not decisive, reshaped American identity, instilling a sense of invincibility. Delve into Jackson's martial law and the political lessons that foreshadowed his future presidency. The aftermath connected to westward expansion and the mounting tensions that would lead to the Civil War, all while memorials and cultural echoes linger.
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Surprise Tactics Won The Day
- Andrew Jackson adopted night attacks and guerrilla-style tactics influenced by Native warfare to surprise British forces.
- Those tactics produced chaotic fighting and higher casualties but gave Americans an edge in 1815.
The Pirate Who Picked A Side
- Jean Lafitte played both sides before siding with the U.S. by offering supplies and intelligence.
- Jackson promised to overlook Lafitte's crimes and Lafitte supplied gunpowder, muskets, and local know-how.
A Fog That Lifted The Myth
- British plans unraveled on January 8 when fog lifted and coordination failed, exposing troops to entrenched American fire.
- Missing ladders, delayed flanking moves, and exposed formations turned the assault into a swift rout.
