On the bicentennial of America's declaration of war against the United Kingdom, the BBC's Joan Soley says the War of 1812 still resonates today. BBC News - Why the War of 1812 still matters Two hundred years ago this Monday, American President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain. The first time the United States had declared war against another nation, it was not an action that enjoyed unanimous support in Congress
We British are right hooligans arent we? Look at the mess we made. Burning of Washington - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Can't be hooliganism if you owned it in the first place. Merely qualifies as an over-exuberant party.
There's no justifying the burning of Washington, but there's no justifying trying to conquer Canada either. One of the dumber wars waged by both countries, at least we haven't fought each other since.
The largest component of the British military in Upper Canada were the local militia. So confident were the U.S. politicians that an over-stretched Britain would be unable to defend its colonies along the St Lawrence and around the Great Lakes, that the former President, Thomas Jefferson, declared the seizure of the Canadas as "a mere matter of marching". However, instead of sweeping aside the few under-strength British regular regiments stationed along the frontier and being hailed as liberators by the population of the Canadas, as some had expected; the U.S. army found itself treated as a hostile invader and opposed, not only by the soldiers of the crown, but also by units of part-time local militias. In 1814, the active service of the Volunteer Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada came to an end. The men returned to their families and homes and for the most part resumed their lives. In the years to come, several of the officers and men became prominent citizens of the developing Province, sitting as Magistrates, Judges, Members of Parliament, Customs officials, etc. as well as holding senior ranks within the Post-war regiments of county militias. They also eventually came to receive grants of land under the terms of their enlistment according to the following scale: Privates 100 acres Drummers 100 acres Sergeants 200 acres Ensigns 200 – 500 acres Lieutenants 500 – 800 acres Captains 500 – 800 acres Majors 1000 acres
There are just a ton of events and festivals planned for the 200th anniversary in Canada that it's hard to know where to begin. For example here's a site devoted to the area between Kingston and Montreal only. I imagine the same is true on the other side of the border as well. Celebrate1812 - The Upper St. Lawrence River between Montreal & Kingston
The war was commemorated medal wise with the Military General Service Medal 1793-1814. 3 bars were awarded for the war of 1812 being Fort Detroit,Chrystlers Farm & Chateauguay. Here is a good link Battle of Cryslers Farm - Military General Service Medal and Clasp 1793-1814 | Medal awarded war of 1812 Canada Roadshow THe Naval General Service Medal was awarded to members of the RN with Bars for various actions against the US Navy during the period. As rewards for officers of both services, Army & Navy Gold Medals were granted for specific acts Regards simon
...and a whole series of Silver coins being minted and will be released over the next year to commemorate this "War" of 1812 - which will be a good idea for the Grandchildren to have around Christmas this year - but I guess they would just as soon have a cheque - well maybe both..... Cheers
As mentioned previously there are a many events and festivals planned through out Canada and the U.S. to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. I have only a very superficial knowledge of the subject. Little did I know, for example, that where I took the Doddy dog for a walk along the paths of D'Aubigny Creek and the Grand River was actually an area that was briefly fought over by the Americans and British. The Brantford Bicentennial Committee has put together a surprisingly well done video on our local connection with that time. The Grand River and the War of 1812 God knows what a controversial subject this is, but you can't grow up and live in this area without rightfully acknowledging the role of our Indian brethren. Enjoy ...
Watched a programme recently that U.S. had war plans to invade Canada, after ww1. It was interesting on how the British would've reacted to it. It was played out on land and sea. On land it was a successful invasion of Canada, but on the sea we had the upper hand hand just. They would,ve left Canada in American hands but they would have been blockaded on sea on both oceans. Very interesting indeed.
djcrtoye Had a big discussion one time with a US ex Marine who claimed that about 200 US marines could capture all of Canada so I asked him to ensure that they brought about 200 body bags with them - that ended that discussion..... Cheers
Watched a programme recently that U.S. had war plans to invade Canada, after ww1. It was interesting on how the British would've reacted to it. It was played out on land and sea. On land it was a successful invasion of Canada, but on the sea we had the upper hand hand just. They would,ve left Canada in American hands but they would have been blockaded on sea on both oceans. Very interesting indeed. After WWI, the US had contigency war plans for most possible scenerios, however likely the were or were not. Most every other country did likewise. I do not doubt that today both the US and Canada have plans, however rudimentary that they be, for warfare between our two nations. God help us all were it to get to that point.
After WWI, the US had contigency war plans for most possible scenerios, however likely the were or were not. Most every other country did likewise. I do not doubt that today both the US and Canada have plans, however rudimentary that they be, for warfare between our two nations. God help us all were it to get to that point. I agree with all of your points, Jeff. I think the high level US plans were named after colors. As for the program djcrtoye saw, if the scenario was shortly after WWI, the USN and RN would have been the same strength due to the Washington Navy Treaty of 1921 and the USN would have been playing on their home field, especially on the west coast. I don't see how the RN would have had the upper hand. I feel a thread lock coming due to what if. Dave
There remain a number of Americans who favour the Monroe Doctrine. Thankfully, a minority. A few years ago I pointedly walked out of a speech by Lou Dobbs, to about 4,000 people in San Francisco, which was both chilling and grossly insulting to Canadians. He left no doubt as to how long that friendly border would last with the wrong people in power. If that sad day should ever come to pass, most believe it will be over resources (water, oil).
Anyway , getting back to 200 years ago, just read this. BBC News - War of 1812: Violence, glory and a new Canadian-ness Canada today is seen as a harmonious nation of hockey, mounties and maple leaves, in peaceful contrast to its often fractious and noisy neighbour to the south. But Canadian-ness itself was born amid the blood, gunpowder and glory of the War of 1812, writes Grant Stoddard............. Can't say I remember hearding about this battle before. Their victory inspired yet another improbable defence of Canada just over two weeks later at the Battle of Crysler's Farm, in which 900 British regulars and Canadian militiamen repulsed 8,000 US troops Battle of Crysler's Farm - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 900 v 8000, it ought to be more well know surely ? EDIT: oops , I see Assam mentioned it in post #9. Sorry.
Watched a programme recently that U.S. had war plans to invade Canada, after ww1. Big deal, my country's military still has contingency plans to invade Spain and vice-versa. That's what staffs do: prepare plans for all eventualities and with alternatives too Here's a few: United States color-coded war plans - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There's no justifying the burning of Washington, but there's no justifying trying to conquer Canada either. One of the dumber wars waged by both countries, at least we haven't fought each other since. What are your thoughts on the US burning of York (now Toronto) a year earlier? Best, Steve.