![]() ![]() Here are the stories of commanding generals such as America's Henry "Granny" Dearborn, double-dealing James Wilkinson, and feisty Andrew Jackson, as well as Great Britain's gallant Sir Isaac Brock, overly cautious Sir George Prevost, and Rear Admiral George Cockburn, the man who put the torch to Washington. With Washington in flames, only a valiant defense at Fort McHenry saved Baltimore from a similar fate. By 1814, however, the United States was no longer fighting for free trade, sailors' rights, and as much of Canada as it could grab, but for its very existence as a nation. Fought between creaking sailing ships and armies often led by bumbling generals, the ensuing conflict featured a tit-for-tat "You burned our capital, so we'll burn yours" and a legendary battle unknowingly fought after the signing of a peace treaty.ĭuring the course of the war, the young American navy proved its mettle as the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides," sent two first-rate British frigates to the bottom, and a twenty-seven-year-old lieutenant named Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a flag exhorting, "Don't Give Up the Ship," and chased the British from Lake Erie. During the course of the wa In June 1812 the still-infant United States had the audacity to declare war on the British Empire. Fought between creaking sailing ships and armies often led by bumbling generals, the ensuing conflict featured a tit-for-tat "You burned our capital, so we'll burn yours" and a legendary battle unknowingly fought after the signing of a peace treaty. Lawrence River, was paramount to victory.In June 1812 the still-infant United States had the audacity to declare war on the British Empire. Acquiring command of the waterways, the Great Lakes and the St. There was recognition that land-based communication and travel was immensely difficult- roads were rough or non-existent. Since the lakes bordered the United States and British North America, they were used by both sides of the conflict to attempt to gain control over the region. The role of the Great Lakes in the War of 1812ĭuring the War of 1812 the Great Lakes played a crucial strategic role. They knew the land of the Great Lakes region well, far better that many American fighters who had not, in any great numbers, explored the area. Had these French Canadians supported the Americans, they risked assimilation.įirst Nations and Métis would fight in support of the British as a means of continuing to deter American settlement in the west. The British government, in the years following their victory over the colony of France, had guaranteed their language, religious, and civil law rights. ![]() Photo Credit: The Library of Congress ( Link)īritain also had an ally in the French citizens of Lower Canada. They could fight under British command and thereby free up much of the regular British army to continue its fight in Europe.Īdmiral Oliver Hazard Perry behind a cannon aboard ship during the Battle of Lake Erie. The militia, made up of local settlers, knew the land and could wield guns. These Loyalists showed their gratitude for the free land and protection from the ‘rebels’ by supporting the British cause. There were many other settlers, known as the United Empire Loyalists, who had fled the 13 Colonies (the new United States) during and after the American Revolution. Many American citizens had moved into this area and their loyalties were not assured. There were several advantages for the British fighting this war in the Great Lakes area.īritish administrative and military presence remained in Upper and Lower Canada (known today as Ontario and Quebec, respectively). Why was the War of 1812 fought in the Great Lakes region? ![]() Legendary Shawnee chief Tecumseh also had support from the Potawatomi, Ojibwa, Odawa, and Kickapoo tribes among others, although not every group supported him. The Métis, Iroquois, Sioux, Menominee, Winnebago, Caughnawagas, Mohawks, DakotaĪlgonquin, Mohawk, Huron, Abenaki, Muscogee Creek, Seminole, Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee were only some of the First Nations tribes that were affiliated with Great Britain. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |