The War of 1812

Reasons for War The British Navy kept the Americans from trading freely with Europe The British Navy often captured American sailors and made them work for them. The US wanted to “free” British North America. Believed that taking Canada would be a “mere matter of marching,” that all they would have to do to win would be to march to Canada.

Star Spangled Banner Star Spangled Banner lyrics Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

PBS video (5 minutes) PBS video

The American Perspective The Battle of New Orleans, Johnny Horton The Battle of New Orleans About the battle of the same name, which took place two weeks after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which officially ended the war.

The Canadian Perspective The War of 1812, by Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie The War of 1812 A Canadian response to the Johnny Horton song.

Heroes and Mythology Both sides have used the War of 1812 to tell stories that they believe are important to their history On the Canadian side, we like to emphasize the struggles of the common person in the war, because this was a time when Canada was still trying to figure out what being Canadian meant. Laura Secord Richard Pierpoint

Isaac Brock English soldier: Leader of English forces Bluffed his way into taking Detroit: Despite having fewer men than the Americans, scared them into giving up Detroit. Died at Queenston Heights, but battle was won thanks to First Nations allies.Queenston Heights Became an inspiration for the Canadians

Tecumseh Shawnee chief from what is now Ohio Was worried about American plans to control his homeland. Created a confederation of First Nations to resist the Americans. Confederation ended when he died. A great tactician, feared by the Americans.

This picture shows the death of Tecumseh Killing him was a very big deal. The man pictured killing him is Richard Johnson. Tecumseh’s body was never found after the battle, so there is little evidence to support Johnson’s claim that he killed him. The painting was made in the 1830’s right around the time he was running for Vice-President…

Who won? Both. Canada/England Burned the White House. Came away from the war with a renewed sense of identity and purpose, after working together to fight a common enemy. The United States wanted to take over British North America. Canada/England pushed them back. United States Won the last battle of the war, the Battle of New Orleans. They fought against the largest army in the world, and survived. Received 40,000 square km of territory, near Lakes Superior and Michigan.

Who won? Neither. No significant change to territory No change to British naval practices, even though that was supposedly what the war was about. British North America continued to be under threat of American invasion until confederation, 55 years later.

How about one more video? Here’s one more video on the topic.one more video It’s from the folks at Crash Course, and is thus from an American perspective. But, it’s fairly even-handed, so it’s worth watching.