1. Last War Between Canada and the USA
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Last War Between
Canada and the USA
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2. Background Britain was the dominant force in the world at this time
Britain was involved in a war in Europe
Who was Britain fighting against?
Britain’s control of the oceans was important to her eventual success
Blockade was a tried and proven method
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3. Causes of the War ~ #1 Maritime Grievances
Britain’s success, if she was to be successful, against Napoleon depended on her control of the seas (Blockade in effect since 1806)
Britain insisted on the right to search American ships
For deserters
For contraband going to the enemy
Sailors claiming American citizenship were sometimes seized
American commerce was being interfered with
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4. Causes of the War ~ #2 Indian Problems
British traders continued to deal with the Indians of the American NW trading ammunition and supplies for furs
Maintain friendship in the event of a war
Were especially generous if the possibility of a war was heating up
The Americans accused the British of stirring up the Indians and arming them against the Americans
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5. Causes of the War ~ #3 War Hawks
Members of Congress from the Western States and from the frontier areas of older states
Their perception was that they were faced with an Indian menace
They believed that the British were behind it
They saw the conquest of Canada and the expulsion of the British as the only solution
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6. Where Was the War Fought?
On the Sea
Mostly off the coast of the Maritimes & New Eng. but also on various lakes (Erie & Ont.)
Britain won naval war - lost most of the battles
Had greater number of forces and ability to blockade American ports affecting commerce
Maritime ‘privateers’ seized over 200 commercial ships
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7. Where Was the War Fought?
On Land
Along the border of UC and LC
Primary leader was Sir Isaac Brock – decisive, bold, careful in preparation – led to early successes and gave Cdns confidence
Killed 1812 – Queenston Heights – Americans thrown back
Line from Montreal to Michilimackinac unbroken – little of a decisive nature in
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8. The End of The War
Peace negotiations had been in progress throughout the War – both parties were sick of the conflict
Ended by the Treaty of Ghent – Dec. 1814
Pre-war situation &, primarily, the granting of fishing rights to US off the Maritimes and Newfoundland
Ability to agree led to a number of other agreements
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9. The Results of The War
1. Boundary Commission set up and established in 1818 the 49th parallel as the boundary from the Lake of the Woods to the foothills of the Rockies
2. Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817 provided for disarmament of ships on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain (except for police and anti-smuggling)
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10. The Results of The War
3. Indians – particularly the American Indians – came out the losers. Their land essentially disappeared into the White Man’s control
4. Patriotism – We can beat the Americans - We can work together.
5. National Character – From a Cdn perspectve, the ideas of loyalty, security and order were important. Americans had become the enemy. It was no longer prudent to espouse American ideas.
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11. Who Won The War?
The Americans believe that they did – they won the Battle of New Orleans (a decisive American victory) and claim it was the last battle of the war (Jan – after the Treaty)
Johnny Horton and The Battle of New Orleans
The British, also unaware that the war was over, attacked and took Fort Bowyer in Feb – this was the last land engagement (withdrew two days later when they learned of the Treaty)
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12. The Importance The results of the war
The handling of disputes by negotiation, begun with Jay’s Treaty, would continue to form the basis of relationships between Canadians and the Americans
Feelings of nationalism – we are different from the Americans – often expressed as anti-Americanism began to develop
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