"The war of 1812: For natives, resisting American invaders" Topic

…was the ‘only option'.

"On the outbreak of the War of 1812, Thomas Jefferson declared, "The acquisition of Canada … will be a mere matter of marching." The prediction by the American founding father and third president seemed sensible at the time: The British were tied down in Europe fighting Napoleon. They had fewer than 1,000 regular soldiers defending Canada, and the volunteer Canadian militias in the colonies were no substitute for professional troops.

But there were also the native warriors to consider, and historian say they were vital to the defence of British North America. "First Peoples warriors played crucial roles in the victories at Mackinac, Detroit, and Queenston Heights," said Peter MacLeod, pre-Confederation historian and curator of the 1812 exhibit at the Canadian War Museum. Their support "saved western Upper Canada from defeat and occupation during the first year of the war."…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Jefferson had no idea what he was talking about and his influence on his protege Madison did not bode well for the United States.

Jefferson had never worn the uniform, much less had done any 'marching.' And it appears that he had either ignored or forgotten the lessons of the last American invasion of Canada in 1775.

Jefferson was a military incompetent and definitely proved that common sense was not a common vurtue.

Glup!….

Amicalement
Armand

If I remember correctly, Jefferson even tried to disband the navy and changing the navy focus to coastal gunboats and barges.

The British in the South had a strong relationship with the Muskogee Creek tribes, both Upper and Lower, in 1800. The Free Muskogee Confederation was at war with Spain in Florida and formed a strong blocking force to the American expansion from Georgia. Britain changed sides in 1808 after Spain changed sides to join Britain. At that time Lower Creek tribes ended their support of Britain. A bad political move by Britain.

Thanks!

Amicalement
Armand

In Canada the APTN has an excellent series called "Nations at War". Several of the episodes cover the War of 1812. I highly recommend the entire series.