"American Invasion of Canada" Topic

"The War of 1812 was a conflict fought in North America between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815. In British texts, the War of 1812 is sometimes known as the British-American War, to distinguish it from the concurrent British involvement in the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812 is also sometimes referred to as the "War of 1812."

Although the United States was officially at war with Great Britain, more than half of the British forces were made up of Canadian militia. Additionally, many Native Americans/First Nations fought in the war for reasons of their own.

Although the War of 1812 ended in a stalemate and is often only dimly remembered, the war had many effects on the futures of those involved. The war created a greater sense of nationalism in Canada and the United States, it produced a national anthem and two future presidents for the U.S., and perhaps most consequentially, the war marked the end of European alliances with American Indians in the United States…"
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

Although the United States was officially at war with Great Britain, more than half of the British forces were made up of Canadian militia.

The burden of the fighting was done overwhelmingly by the British regulars, not the Canadian militia. A few Canadian units were employed in combat, and they were excellent, but in total numbers, it was the British regular who did most of the heavy lifting.

'That the [Canadian militia] sprang to arms, marched to the frontier in their peacetime organizations and under their amateur officers, and beat off the invaders, is grotesquely untrue.'-Colonel CF Hamilton, 1928.

George Stanley, a respected military historian, that the idea that the Canadian militia saved Canada 'was only a legend.' He also stated that 'the regular soldier bore the brunt of defending British North America in 1812-1814' and that 'The regulars did more than supply the leadership. They did the lion's share of the fighting.'

See Donald Hickey's Don't Give up the Ship: Myths of the War of 1812, pages 165-168.

Thanks Kevin!.

Amicalement
Armand

Fair point; although there certainly were Canadian militia at the major battles (Queenston Heights and Chrysler's Farm spring to mind) the majority of troops were British regulars – and certainly at both battles the regulars cool and capable conduct under fire were key to victory (British both times – a nod to our American cousins but serves 'em right for invading)

Thanks also!.

Amicalement
Armand