The War of 1812 was a war fought between the British Empire and the United States of America. It lasted two years and eight months, but ended without any territorial change. Among the reasons for war were the British employing impressment, the British supporting the Indians in their attacks on the Americans and the British impeding American trade with the French. The Americans swiftly identified the province of Upper Canada (later Ontario) as their easiest target. Lower Canada (later Quebec) was remote and protected by the city of Quebec. The Maritimes were well defended by the British Navy. As an added bonus, the British were greatly outnumbered by the Americans, as most of the British army were off fighting Napoleon. However, the British were well prepared under the control of Isaac Brock and took control of Michigan and Upper Mississippi. The British troops were greatly aided by the First Nations. The British then won at the Battle of Queenston Heights (October 13th, 1812), but Isaac Brock was killed. After Brock’s death, the British employed a new strategy: they went on the defense, compared to Brock’s ideas of attacking quickly. However, in May of 1813, the Americans struck back with the capture of Fort George. This was the low point of the war for the British Empire, as the Americans has also captured York (later Toronto) earlier in the year for a short period of time. On June 5th, at the Battle of Stoney Creek, the British took back Fort George. Worn down, the Americans left Canada. The next year (1814 if you’re keeping up), the Americans easily captured Fort Erie in July. Over in the Maritimes, the British took over most of the coast of Maine. The Americans left Fort Erie after a several month long standoff, but not before destroying it. This effectively ended the American time in Upper Canada. On December 24th, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed in Ghent, Belgium, with the Russians as mediators. Unfortunately, communication was slow back in 1814, and news of the peace treaty did not reach North America until after a decisive American victory in New Orleans. Although it is debatable, Canadians consider the war a win, as they did not lose any territory to the Americans.
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