1. The War of 1812

2. Yes… we burned down the White House
But a lot of other
things happened
too...

3. How did it Start?
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

4. The French Revolution Started in 1789
France got rid of its monarchy and declared themselves a republic (like the Americans)
The French Revolution got out of control, but then Napoleon Bonaparte stepped into power
He was a French army general who defended and ruled the republic of France

5. What do these pictures say about Napoleon? How is he represented?

6. The Napoleonic Wars
Napoleon began to conquer large chunks of Europe, and other countries felt threatened
When other European countries fought back against Napoleon, the Napoleonic Wars began
Britain vs.France AGAIN

7. The Napoleonic Wars & North America
As a newly independent country, the USA could trade with whoever it wanted to
one trading partner was France
Britain shut down trade between the USA and France with its naval blockade
The British Navy was also looking to “recruit” American sailors
What do you think the USA does in response?

8. WAR! The USA did not like being blocked off from trading partners
In 1812 the United States declared war on Britain
It was easiest to invade British North America (there wasn’t an ocean in between)

9. War in North America
The Americans thought that the colonists of British North America would be happy with the invasion, and join Americans in throwing off British rule… Wrong
The colonists of BNA fought back the Americans

10. Timeline

13. American Perspective Thought colonists of BNA would not fight back
“I come to find enemies, not make them. I come to protect you, not injure you… The United States offers you Peace, Liberty and Security - your choice lies between these and WAR, slavery and destruction. Choose, but choose wisely” - General William Hull

14. Canadien Perspective
Catholic Church opposed republican governments (like the USA)
The Catholic Church wanted a monarchy to help keep the system the same
Montreal was a key location
crucial supply link between Upper and Lower Canada
key battle won against the Americans

15. Upper Canada Perspective
Americans focused their attacks on British Upper Canada
Many Loyalists in Upper Canada were used to fighting off Americans in favour of British
Some Americans had moved to Upper Canada before the war, seeking farmland
most did not choose sides, and focused on farming

16. Upper Canada Perspective
After the war, Britain ordered those who had supported USA to leave
Gave plots of land to British soldiers (future protection)
Encouraged British immigration

17. First Nations Perspective
Tecumseh, a Haudenosaunee leader, organized First Nations to fight with the British
saw Americans as the bigger enemies
Knew that the British would fight back and beat the Americans

18. What is the message of the cartoon?

19. The End of the War
The war ended in a deadlock. Meaning neither side claimed victory
The Treaty of Ghent signed in Dec signaled the end of the war
Both sides had to return land won during war
Agreed to make the 49th parrallel of latitude the political boundry between the two areas of land

20. Canada’s National Identity
The war of 1812 is considered one of the most defining moments in Canada’s short history that help create our unique national identity:

21. Did the War of 1812 help Canada develop its unique identity?
Agree I Disagree I

22. Agree
United all the diverse people in BNA (French Canadiens, First Nations, British Loyalists, etc) against a common enemy: USA
Canada might not exist today (America would be huge!)
The treaty that ended the war created a boundary that is still respected today

24. Canada/US Border

25. Disagree
Reaffirmed British identity in BNA, but not French or First Nations
After the war, Britain began to isolate the First Nations to the point of reserves
Assimilation was back on the table
First Nations
Canadiens

26. Re-enactments
Rick Mercer