I know very little about this war that at least I know involved somehow Canada, Britain, Ireland and the United States.
I would like to know a bit more about why this war erupted during another war that was already in progress with Napoleon.
If any out there have some knowledge to share I would be interested in reading your posts and comments about it.
LOA; The War of 1812 was an off-shoot of the Napoleonic Wars being fought in Europe between England and her allies and France and her allies. The war was between the United States and Great Britain the only involvement of Ireland was in the fact that at that time Ireland was part of Great Britain. The war was one that neither side wanted and was brought about mainly as a result of the blockade of Europe by G.B. and the seizure of American ships by the Royal Navy looking for both contraband and deserters.The issues surrounding this war had actually been resolved in England but because of slow communictions the U.S. declared war. The U.S. was split over the war with the New England states against and Kentucky, Ohio, and the Michigan Territory all for it. The majority of land battles fought were here in Canada as a result of invasion attemps by the states . The war lasted from 1812 to 1815 with the Last Battle being fought in New Orleans 2 weeks after the peace treaty had been signed. The war ended with everything right back where it started. Neither side gained anything. If you want to know more I would be pleased to share my knowledge of "Mr Madison's War" with you.
Pleased to see there is some interest on the War of 1812 from some of our community. It has been a historic event very much overshadowed by later events,but really was the cornerstone in determining the borders and later political and economic relations between Canada and the US. I personally have visited most of the sites here in Canada where the battles took place, and am ashamed to say that aside from some poorly maintained cairns and hidden plaques there is virtually no recognition of the sites and their signifigance. How typically Canadian!
Pleased to see there is some interest on the War of 1812 from some of our community. It has been a historic event very much overshadowed by later events,but really was the cornerstone in determining the borders and later political and economic relations between Canada and the US. I personally have visited most of the sites here in Canada where the battles took place, and am ashamed to say that aside from some poorly maintained cairns and hidden plaques there is virtually no recognition of the sites and their signifigance. How typically Canadian!
blackdog; Yes how typically Canadian. There was a cause a while back where a 60+ year old woman in Queenston was looking after Brock's Monument herself and out of her own pocket.
Thank you gentlemen for your replies. And yes I must agree that this is a war that nobody seem to care about. And from what little I know it was very destructive and frankly since there was practically no talks of it in school, well one would not be inclined to read about it. I just upon a book which was a romance book during that period that I started to look more about this war.
Camac, I would be more than please to know about this "Mr.Madison's war" for sure.
Blackdog, if you have more information to share about the different battles sites please do so.
Thank you gentlemen for your replies. And yes I must agree that this is a war that nobody seem to care about. And from what little I know it was very destructive and frankly since there was practically no talks of it in school, well one would not be inclined to read about it. I just upon a book which was a romance book during that period that I started to look more about this war.
Camac, I would be more than please to know about this "Mr.Madison's war" for sure.
Blackdog, if you have more information to share about the different battles sites please do so.
Thanks,LOA
LOA; Pierre Burton wrote a history of the War of 1812 in two volumes. The Invasion of Canada 1812-1813, and "Flames Across the Border 1813-1814. They should be in your local library. I have read many other works on the War and as I said I will be delighted to share that knowledge with you.
In terms of sites, we are all familiar with Queenston Heights,a short drive away is Lundys Lane, (now a major roadway in Niagara Falls). This was the site of what might be argued to be the bitterest confrontation of the war. Now it is a stretch hotels,fast food joints, and small office buildings. At the crest of the road however there is a small cemetery in which a cairn stands commemorating the site. There are still artifacs turned up on the surrounding hillsides whenever someone digs a new foundation or garden in the area. Also close is the site of the Chippewa Confrontation, and of course Fort Erie, where the Americans overran the Fort and occupied for a brief period nera the close of the war. An excellent book on the stage of the war is by Donald E. Graves, titled Where Right and Glory Lead, a wee bit dry but very thorough.
Is he the same Pierre Burton from the t.v show "Front page challenge"?
LOA;
Yes he's the same. He wrote a large number of Canadian History Books; My Country, The National Dream, The Last Spike, Marching as to War, Vimy and many more. All books about the great history of the 'TRUE NORTH'
For the most part the War of 1812 is a forgotten war. It is rarely taught in schools even in the states. Infact it was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). It is a neat and most wonderful story. Rebecca
For the most part the War of 1812 is a forgotten war. It is rarely taught in schools even in the states. Infact it was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). It is a neat and most wonderful story. Rebecca
Rebecca Ann;
The ironic thing about your National Anthem is that it is sung to the tune of an old English Drinking song. Possibly the War is not taught in your schools is the fact on land with the exception of The Battle of New Orleans, Monrovia and a few other minor skirmishes the U.S. Army of the day was beaten. Your Navy on the other hand did a superb job.
The war started on 18 June 1812 and the first military action was carried out by the British against Michilimackinac (Mackinaw) about a month later.It was a bloodless victory as the American Fort surrendered almost immediately. As you know many Aboriginal People sided with the English and this proved a great psychological advantage to them as the Americans were terrified of the Natives. The Americans guarding Mackinaw did not even know war had been declared so were totally unprepared. After this small triumph the war shifted south mainly in to the area bordering along Ontario. Detroit was tthe next engagement . Here again an American defeat.
For the most part the War of 1812 is a forgotten war. It is rarely taught in schools even in the states. Infact it was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). It is a neat and most wonderful story. Rebecca
Rebecca Ann;
The ironic thing about your National Anthem is that it is sung to the tune of an old English Drinking song. Possibly the War is not taught in your schools is the fact on land with the exception of The Battle of New Orleans, Monrovia and a few other minor skirmishes the U.S. Army of the day was beaten. Your Navy on the other hand did a superb job.
Camac.
As I recall from the history I learned many years ago, the pirate Jeane LaFete (sp), his cannons and cannoneers really won the battle of New Orleans.
The war started on 18 June 1812 and the first military action was carried out by the British against Michilimackinac (Mackinaw) about a month later.It was a bloodless victory as the American Fort surrendered almost immediately. As you know many Aboriginal People sided with the English and this proved a great psychological advantage to them as the Americans were terrified of the Natives. The Americans guarding Mackinaw did not even know war had been declared so were totally unprepared. After this small triumph the war shifted south mainly in to the area bordering along Ontario. Detroit was tthe next engagement . Here again an American defeat.
Camac.
If I understand it correctly this war started very quick and ended very quick. I know from other history books that the natives did not like the americans well. So it probably why they sided with the english.
Maybe that is the reason why it was not spoken much! Even though it was a 2 year war it look like it was only battles fought for naught. I'll have to go get this book you suggested and learn more.
For the most part the War of 1812 is a forgotten war. It is rarely taught in schools even in the states. Infact it was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). It is a neat and most wonderful story. Rebecca
Rebecca Ann;
The ironic thing about your National Anthem is that it is sung to the tune of an old English Drinking song. Possibly the War is not taught in your schools is the fact on land with the exception of The Battle of New Orleans, Monrovia and a few other minor skirmishes the U.S. Army of the day was beaten. Your Navy on the other hand did a superb job.
Camac.
As I recall from the history I learned many years ago, the pirate Jeane LaFete (sp), his cannons and cannoneers really won the battle of New Orleans.
War is all about alliances.
Slàinte,
Patch
Patch;
Everything I have read about the Battle of New Orleans merely mentions LaFitte. He is more of a local Character than a National Hero. The main cause of the British defeat was that the Americans were barricade behind a raised pallisade and there was alot of open ground for the Brits to cross. At one point they almost made it but were thrown back by the heavy rifle and cannon fire from the U.S. It has been a while since I have read about the Battle so my memory is a little hazy. I'll do some more checking on Lafitte.
Camac.
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