Creating Legacies: Voices

Without gaining territory or wealth, the United States nonetheless forged a victory in their memories of the war, forgetting the setbacks to focus on the strength of the Union.

Although some Americans considered the United States unprepared for large-scale war, late successes and treaty concessions meant that the young republic had earned respect from other nations.

On August 16, 1812, the terrified American General William Hull surrendered Fort Detroit along with his 2,500 men. It was a stunning turnaround. Celebrated in song, the victory helped awaken a stronger sense of Canadian identity, one that outlasted the war itself.

This immensely popular song, filled with exaggerated memories of “Old Hickory” and his Kentucky riflemen overwhelming the well-trained and battle-tested army of Great Britain, became an effective part of Andrew Jackson’s successful campaign for president.

In tracing the reasons for the exceptional performance of the US Navy during the War of 1812, we might look to the 1798-1800 Quasi War with France.

Although the War of 1812 was long over, conflict between Canada and the United States still simmered throughout the mid 19th century.