First Invasion: The War of 1812, a History Channel documentary that first aired in 2004, portrays a young United States of America "on the brink of annihilation" as it battles the largest and most powerful empire on earth. Critics say the documentary is far too pro-American, and that it ignores or downplays crucial elements of the War of 1812. Others praise First Invasion for its compelling presentation of a far too neglected period of history.

Cast

Edward Herrmann

Narrator

Mark D. Hutter

James Madison

Sally E. Bennett

Dolley Madison

Dave Fagerberg

General Andrew Jackson

H. David Wright

General Samuel Smith

Steve Abolt

Self (Military Historian)