War of 1812 –Course Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Richard Sperry's online class on the War of 1812. It was a delightful roller coaster of battles, strategies, wins, and losses.  Richard is charming and provides fantastic reference maps, beautiful portraits, comical illustrations, and assessments of the unfolding events. It was suspenseful not knowing the casualty count and ships lost on all sides. Anyone taking the course will be proud of our American intelligence, naval strategies, and tenacity against all odds.  I learned a tremendous amount and could take it all over again. Betsey Bacon, Bryn Mawr, PA 7-6-21

Richard Sperry made the War of 1812 both interesting and informative. His use of maps and photos made the history of this war come alive. I strongly recommend the course to anyone interested in this war. Billy C Mayo, War of 1812 Society, Galveston, TX 6-30-'21

The class is a very good overview of a very complicated subject. The War of 1812 is something quite lost in history. Richard does a good job about bringing out the reasons for the war, its execution within the context of what else was going on in Europe, and its eventual conclusion. The course, names, and events go quickly, so you will want to take notes to be able to review later. There is a good use of art, monuments, maps, &c., which puts faces names or geographies to place-names. This is well worth four-plus hours of your life! Sumner Hunnewell, Publisher, The War Cry (War of 1812 Magazine), Arnold, MO 4-6-21

Really great course.Rick Sperry knows his subject matter and while he interjected interesting facts and opinions, he did not overwhelm this participant with minutia.  As a student of history for most of my life, I appreciate the obvious knowledge that Rick has obtained with this subject matter.  He clearly conveys the importance of the War of 1812 to the overall history of the United States in a relaxed manner.  It is too bad that most students today couldn't locate the period of this war even if you gave them the title. John Calfee Jr, Yale '68, Murfreesboro, TN 4-4-21

The series on the war of 1812 was fantastic. The narrative was great as were the illustrations. The people who attended the series were knowledgeable and our on line discussions were very enlightening. Charles Newhall, Baltimore, MD 4-2-21

"This course was a very comprehensive study of the War of 1812. I was familiar with the basics- bombardment of Fort McHenry, burning of Washington, Charlton Heston at New Orleans- but this course added so much to my knowledge and understanding. A particular benefit of the course was the interaction with the other participants, who had various levels of experience with the story of the war." Robert Louis, War of 1812 Society, PA 3-30-21

This fascinating tale of one of America's least-understood wars is brought to life by Richard Sperry, whose knowledge of naval history brings alive the many conflicts and theaters that confronted a young United States from 1812 to 1814. The clearly-outlined four -session course includes paintings depicting battles large and small, on sea and on land, as well as detailed maps and photographs of important locations. Recommendations of books, articles, museums, and movies enhance the course content. Very nice. Anita Prentice, Garrison, NY 2-16-21

Mr Sperry's excellent course on The War of 1812 encompassed all the Battles of the 1812-1814 campaign. Wonderful story told with great pictures and maps about all the major the battles on the Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, Washington, Baltimore and New Orleans. Great job ! John Clendenning, US Navy, Radnor, PA, 2-16-21

This course sheds light on a war that most of us know very little about. Beyond the rockets over Fort McHenry and Andrew Jackson's huge victory at New Orleans, little is remembered. Most Americans, if you ask them, will probably tell you "we won". Not so - we were fortunate to escape with a "tie". Until the second half 1814, the US was on its back foot. British fatigue set in just when the Americans were finally getting their act together. Rick's entertaining presentation provides highlights of the battles on land, sea, and lakes, and the leading personalities on both sides. Tony Barclay, Westport, Yale '68, Westport, CT 2-16-21

My husband and I  truly enjoyed the four-session zoom course on the War of 1812 with Richard Sperry.  He presented an interesting, informative and relevant course that opened our eyes to the significance and historical relevance of each battle and the people who lead and fought in them. We also enjoyed the camaraderie and interaction of our fellow classmates. Time well spent! Cindy and Merrill Reese, Bryn Mawr, PA, 2-16-21

I have just completed Richard Sperry's History 500 Course, The War of 1812. This was the third History 500 course I have taken. In describing these courses to friends, I have described Rick's lecturing style as "casual"....that is actually not correct...."collegial" is a far better characterization.

Rick is well prepared, his slides are very informative and complement the spoken word. "Collegial" is achieved because there is always open dialogue, questions, contributions from other "zoomers", many of whom have personal experiences, related knowledge that add greatly to the discussion.

Take away from the War of 1812 Course: We came very close to losing our country. I will never pass through Plattsburgh, Baltimore, nor New Orleans without reflecting on the prowess, leadership of our military forces and heroes. Thanks, History 500, for rekindling these interests. Bayne Stevenson, Yale '68, Norwich, NH, 2-16-21

I was introduced to Richard Sperry after the 1812 "War Cry" was published, and his courses were offered online. I found them to be the most interesting set of 1812 series of lectures that I have ever come across. Mr. Sperry covers all aspects of the war from the Northeast to the naval to the western front and it includes most every battle and skirmish fought with wonderful, detailed maps. I cannot recommend this series more for anyone interested in 1812 and especially members of the 1812 Society. I just hope Mr. Sperry will offer this again to enlighten others on his knowledge and he should be commended for time he has spent putting a wonderful presentation together. Thank you for all that you have done for the Society of 1812. Ryan Bartz, Selmer, Tennessee, 12-18-20

I contacted Rick about preparing for his War of 1812 class. He recommended reading a quarter of the book "1812: The War that Forged a Nation" by Walter R. Borneman prior to each of the four classes. It was a powerful combination, with the classes serving as both motivation for and reinforcement of the reading. After only four weeks, I gained as much knowledge as a college semester class. Thank you Rick!  Chris Moberg, President of the Society of the War of 1812 in the State of Iowa, 10-26-20

“Excellent course. The War of 1812 is a treat. An interesting, well organized intro with maps and paintings, to the disputes that lead to war, and the battles fought all over the U.S.—New Orleans to Maine”. Bourne Ruthrauff, Haverford, PA, 10-24=20

“Thank you so much for presenting your course on the War of 1812 via Zoom. It was outstanding! Your presentation brought order and understanding to an un-ordered, seemingly random, and chaotic war. I learned a lot about this forgotten and complicated conflict and the many players involved in it.

The illustrations and maps you used were excellent, and I enjoyed your low-key delivery, sense of humor, and willingness to admit that you, too, are still learning about the war. I never knew how close we came to losing much of our country to the British less than 30 years after our founding fathers signed our Constitution. But now I know, and, even better, you have given all of us additional sources and books to learn more.”  Mike Hanson, US Marine Corps, Bonita Springs, FL 8-15-20

“That was an excellent 4-part session Course on the War of 1812 which you just gave. The pictures that you presented were particularly good. There is much to be learned about this important War.” Robert Marvin, Society of the War of 1812, PA Bryn Mawr, PA 8-12-20

 "This was an excellent course.  Most people, even well-educated ones, learn little about the War of 1812, and might have vague recollections about Dolly Madison and the burning of the White House, the Battle of New Orleans, and Francis Scott Key. Fewer still will know where Ft. McHenry is and why it was important.”  Bill Boswell, Society of the War of 1812 Pittsburgh, PA 8-12/20, 

“I feel I would be considered to be pretty knowledgeable about American History but have to admit how little I knew about the War of 1812.  Thank you not only for filling in that important void but also for the excellent presentation and open discussions” Tom Connelly, American Flag Expert, Haverford, PA 8-10-20

“This is far more than an overview of the War, although it is that as well, and it delves into the causes of the conflict on both sides of the Atlantic. It especially brings home the fact that continuing American independence, much less the ability to expand without British interference, was not guaranteed - even 30 years after the Treaty of Paris gave us a nation. Mr. Sperry is personable, well-informed, and a good instructor." Bill Boswell, Society of the War of 1812 Pittsburgh, PA 4-10-20

“Those with any familiarity with the War of 1812 likely recall only a few of its most dramatic episodes: the burning of Washington, the White House and the Capitol; the Battle of New Orleans; or the Defense of Baltimore and Fort McHenry and the inspiration for the "Star Spangled Banner."  Richard Sperry's course on the War of 1812, our "second war of independence," provides an opportunity to learn more about these "dramatic moments," as well as where they fit into the much larger historic scope of the war.

Mr. Sperry's course offers an excellent overview of the major causes of the war, the important military and political players involved, and a good historical recounting important events chronologically spanning three years and geographically spanning a significant portion of the North American continent.  The well-prepared historic lectures are superbly supported by a treasure trove of images which range from historic portraits and prints of historic scenes to maps illustrating locations and battle movements to current photographs of many historic sites as they appear today.  The fine curation of these images significantly enhances the well-researched historic narrative, making for an enjoyable learning experience.

The course will be appreciated and enjoyed by those seeking an introduction or refresher to the War.  Those more familiar with the War will appreciate some more indepth learning about areas outside of their familiarity or expertise (for me, this included the battles along the Great Lakes, the Northwestern American/Canadian border, and Plattsburg.)  Dr. Sperry often offered suggestions for further reading or research.

The format of the course allowed for questions and discussions in a welcoming environment.  The course attracted a good group of classmates who all seemed to offer interesting questions and who also graciously shared areas of their expertise.

I highly recommend Richard Sperry's course on the War of 1812.

For parents with students doing "at home" learning, this course offers a great opportunity to supplement on-line history learning with hour-long courses that are visually engaging, accessible to junior/senior high school students, and (dare one say it) entertaining enough to hold students' attentions.” Eugene Bolt, President, Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 4-12-20