Americans familiar with the War of 1812 are no doubt aware of the war’s legacy to our country’s history. Despite effectively ending in a “draw” that produced no territorial changes, the thirty-two-month-long conflict against the British raised the USA’s international standing while effecting a type of “psychological” liberation from the United Kingdom. It also witnessed the suppression of Indian resistance along the Western and Southern borders, inspired growing nationalism, and re-oriented the nation’s political culture thanks to the ensuing collapse of the Federalist Party. Perhaps most importantly, it prepared the way for the emergence of the world’s longest peaceful border between neighboring states (no small thing given the proclivity of border disputes to foment hostility).
Like every major conflict in US Military History, America’s “Second War for Independence” also produced its share of heroes and heroines — individual men and women whose contributions were vital to the course of events. Among these, few stand taller in the historical record than Maj.-Gen. Isaac Brock whose personal bravery and sacrifice determined the outcome of two critical battles; Lt.-Col. Charles de Salaberry, whose daring defensive tactics and use of deception forestalled foreign invasion; and, of course, Laura Secord, the “Heroine of Beaver Dams,” who prevented disaster by traveling twelve-miles on foot through enemy-controlled forests to warn military leaders of impending attack. True patriots, each contributed to victory in the War that secured peace and prosperity for their beloved Canada.
Wait, what?
Americans familiar with the War of 1812 may know the conflict contributed to US history, but they may not be aware the war was far more consequential to Canada’s past. (It also occupies a more prominent place in that country’s present.)
Those interested in seeing the War of 1812 from the other side should to take a look at this site. Produced by the Canadian government to commemorate the War’s bicentennial, it offers a very different perspective to the events and meanings of 1812-1815. Stonewall Jackson? The Battle of New Orleans? Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner?”
Nope, not there.
For our neighbors up North, the War of 1812 was “The War that Saved Canada.”
Saving...