The War of 1812 A Quick Review

Causes Trade Barriers: - Britain and France already fighting - USA wanted freedom to trade with anyone - both countries were trying to starve the other (cut off supply lines) - Britain stopped and seized more American vessels than the French did

British Stop-and-Search Tactics - navy was stopping and searching American ships to look for British deserters - sailors treated poorly (bad food, low pay) - to Americans, it was insulting to be boarded

Britain’s Aboriginal Allies -In US Congress, some frontiersmen pushed for war with Britain -These were known as “War Hawks” -They claimed the British in Canada were providing Tecumseh with guns and supplies -Blamed Aboriginals for attacks on American frontier settlements

American War Hawks -They believed US would soon own North America -Believed taking Canada was a great idea -Not all Americans believed in this -When US government voted to go to war, the decision was close -Many close to the border depended on trade with Canada

Major Events of the War

Fort Detroit -Tecumseh joined Brock -Brock sent a clever message to American General Hull at Detroit, warning that his Aboriginal allies were uncontrollable -Americans so terrified of Aboriginals that they surrendered -To celebrate, Brock and Tecumseh exchanged sashes before the troops

Battle of Queenston Heights -13 October, 1812, news that the Americans had crossed the Niagara River reached Brock -Brock mustered 100 men -Brock’s bright red tunic was a perfect target for sharpshooters -General Sheaffe arrived later with 300 British troops, 50 militiamen, and 300 Mohawk

Queenston Heights Continued… -Sheaffe managed to get up on the heights, behind the American line -Mohawk closed in from the sides -Many Americans turned and ran -300 American soldiers killed/wounded, 950 taken prisoner -14 Canadians killed, 57 wounded

Other Notable Events York: April 1813, Americans attacked York, burned wooden Parliament Buildings. Attackers left after looting Niagara: British commander General Vincent led a sneak attack on Americans at Stoney Creek Beaver Dam: where Laura Secord became a hero. Americans were defeated Naval Battles: Niagara Falls made it tough. Americans won a significant battle on Lake Erie. Moraviantown: Chief Tecumseh killed. A disaster for the British (soldiers become depressed)>

Chrysler’s Farm -An American attack -Canadian, British and Aboriginal troops work together to defeat them -This stopped the advance on Montreal

The Burning of Washington: In August, 1814, British navy carried war to capital of US -Army landed and marched on Washington -Revenge for burning of York -Government buildings burnt, including president’s mansion -Legend has it, scorched buildings had to be white-washed to cover burn marks

The War That Nobody Won -By end of 1814, both sides tired of fighting -No clear winner -Treaty of Ghent signed Christmas Eve, Negotiations took place in Europe -News did not reach Canada until March, Decided to put territory back to where it was before the war -Treaty did not settle issues between US and Britain -49 th parallel established -Each country agreed only 4 warships on Great Lakes (Rush-Bagot Agreement) -Led to strong feelings of pride in Upper Canada