200 years since USA declared war on Great Britain

Discussion in 'Prewar' started by Owen, Jun 18, 2012.

  1. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    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
     
  2. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Splitters!
     
  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  4. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Can't be hooliganism if you owned it in the first place.
    Merely qualifies as an over-exuberant party.
     
  5. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    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.
     
  6. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    War of 1812

    The anniversary is getting a lot of attention.
     
  7. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    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
     
  8. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

  9. Assam

    Assam Senior Member

    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
     
  10. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    ...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
     
  11. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

  12. Cee

    Cee Senior Member Patron

    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 ...

    [​IMG]
     
  13. djcrtoye

    djcrtoye Member

    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.
     
  14. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    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
     
  15. Slipdigit

    Slipdigit Old Hickory Recon

    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.
     
  16. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    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
     
  17. canuck

    canuck Closed Account

    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).
     
  18. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    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.
     
  19. Za Rodinu

    Za Rodinu Hot air manufacturer

  20. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    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.
     

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