War of 1812

End of the American War• Ended in 1783 when

Americans took last stronghold of New York

• Americans angry that Britain stopped trade

A New War Brews…• Afterward, Britain turned its attention

to France

• British stopped American ships bound for France

A New War Brews…• Britain concerned about their

colonies in North America

• America a threat to their survival

A New War Brews…• Annexation a real threat

• By 1812, York only had a population of 1500

A New War Brews…• James Madison was the leader of an

American Party who called themselves “War Hawks”

• Madison would become the 4th President in 1809

A New War Brews…• They wanted war – they wanted

Canada

• Saw British support of Natives to be HOSTILE (really, the natives were just trying to protect their land from land hungry Americans)

A New War Brews…• Not all Americans felt as Madison did

• New England wanted to trade with Britain once again•When war broke out in 1812, they remained neutral

War of 1812• Called “Mr. Madison’s War”

• With all the loyalists, Americans thought they would join their cause - NOPE

Invasion of Canada• William Hull gathered

troops to invade Canada

• Once on Canadian soil, he issued a proclamation telling British to give up

• Weak army, untrained

Invasion of Canada• English General Isaac Brock, along

with his ally Tecumseh, drove the Americans back

• Captured Detroit

Invasion of Canada• York was captured, but regained

• It was a heated battle, both sides gaining and losing

Laura Secord• Tending her wounded husband –

overheard American general’s plan to invade Canada

• Ran through the wilderness, 40km+ to Lt. FitzGibbon

Laura Secord• Told FitzGibbon the America plan –

saved the day!

• British were successful at the Battle of Beaver Dam

Burning of Washington, DC• 1814 – British forces capture and

occupy Washington, DC

• Set fire to White House, Capitol Building

Burning of Washington, DC• Only time a foreign power has

occupied the capital

End of the War of 1812• Ended in 1815

• No changes to the border of Canada

• People became even more loyal to Britain

• Each country sees themselves as victors…