War of 1812 Overview

Cross-posted on behalf of the War of 1812 Group

Hello fellow Historical Representations students,The following is a brief over view of what we will be talking about on thursday, If you have any questions or comments please add them, or be sure to bring them up after our presentation.

The year 1812, saw the development of tensions between the United States and Britain, until war was finally declared. What is now called the War of 1812 lasted from 1812 to 1815, and has come to play a fundamental and interesting role in the development of Canadian Nationalism. One of the main tensions behind the eventual war itself was the trade relations that the Untied States had with France. Britain, who was at war with France at the time, passed various trade limitations in an effort to prevent this trade from proving profitable to either party. This issue was one of the reasons that the United States and Britain eventually declared war on each other.

The war itself was carried out in several theatres, the American coast, the open waters of the ocean and along the American – Canadian border, especially in Upper and Lower Canada, modern day Ontario and Quebec. Canadians came to play a large role in this war not only because of their proximity to the actual fighting, but also because of their vested interest in the interests of the British Empire, as Canada was still under British rule at this time.Interestingly, of the three main players in the War of 1812, the war itself is held to be of large importance with only one. Neither Britain nor the United States – despite their roles as instigators – show any great continuing interest in the war. Debate still remains over the identity of the winner of the war itself, and it seems as if Americans and Canadians will continue to be at odds until the Americans admit their folly. This question of denial and the destruction of what is now know as the White House, are possibly the only remaining elements of public history on the war in the United States today. The British are even less influenced by the war, probably because of the distance of its location, and the fact that its events must be over shadowed by the ongoing fighting with France.

Canada, however, has come to hold the War of 1812 in a position of supreme importance and influence. It is during this war that a rallying sense of nationalism can be seen to develop. This can be partly seen in what is now termed the ‘Militia Myth’, which boasted the fact that far from the British doing most of the fighting, it was in fact the Canadian militia that fought the hardest and played the most pivotal role in the defence of the British colony.

From the War of 1812, Canadians have also gained national heroes that have been carried through the ages. Laura Secord, and Isaac Brock are just two of the names which have come to play a central role in the development of Canadian nationalism and identity, despite their origins not always being initially Canadian.This national focus on the War of 1812 has given rise to different interpretations and presentations of the events and the accounts of various personages. From childrens books to academic historical studies, from public history clips on television networks to documentaries and movies, from commemorative statues to collectable action figures, the War of 1812 has and continues to serve a pivotal role in the Canadian identity and nationalism.

Thanks for reading,

The War of 1812 Group!