War of 1812 & The Loyalists

Britain and France were at War again in Europe. After winning independence, the Americans supported the French government by shipping supplies such as weapons and food from America to Europe. By supporting the French, the Americans were hoping for the British power in the world to diminish. The British began to sink American ships as a act of revenge for supporting the French and for the revolutionary war.

The British were aware that many officials and representatives in the America government were ready for war. Recognizing the validity of of some American complaints, especially the interference of trade, violation of American waters the Americans decided to declare war on Britain once again on June 17th 1812.  News did not travel quickly. There were no phones, conference calls, faxes or e-mails. All the news traveled to Britian in the same way: by ship, across the Atlantic Ocean. It took up to eight weeks for the declaration of war to reach Britian.

Americans beileved that Upper and Lower Canada (Quebec & Ontario) would be easily won. American president Thomas Jefferson said it would be "a mere matter of marching." Consider the following facts:

• Population of British North America (Canada) was 500,000 and America was 8,000,000
• The population of British North America included a huge number of former Americans (Loyalists)
• The French Canadians have never been happy being under British Control

The British sent General Issac Brock to defend Canada against the American army. The British and Canadians formed an alliance with many native tribes lead by Chief Tecumseh. Tecumseh was promised Michigan to create a country for natives. Brock and Tecumseh did not wait for the Americans to invade Canada and decided to be aggressive and attack American forces along the borders. The Canadian soldiers were made up of volunteers, farmers, natrives and few British professional soldiers. The small yet effective troops led by Brock and Tecumseh made quick and decisive victories against the Americans. Americans unable to move the tough Canadian troops in many battles along Great Lakes region the war became a stalemate.

No land was being conquered or lossed on either the British/Canadian or American side. In 1814 the British and Americans decided to make peace and end the stalemate. Worried about future American attacks the British decided to populated Ontario. The British government paid for and gave land to people who immigrated to Canada. America had been in two wars with Britian within 30 years. Many Americans who lived closer to the Canadian border became Loyalists and move to Canada where they thought it be safer.