The War of 1812 discussion thread.

[René Artois]

Keep it civil and out of the American Revolution thread!

[Markas]

An interesting war remembered more in the US as they were under threat whereas in Britain it has been overshadowed by daddy Napoleonic war in which Britain was under threat.

Maybe we should have a poll about who won?

[René Artois]

I though it was a treaty? Anyway, i might as well say "Which country are you from?"

[Markas]

I though it was a treaty? Anyway, i might as well say "Which country are you from?"

It was, but twcer's will generally vote for a win or loss over a draw.

1812 was one of those 'forming' wars that played a part in shaping the US identity. Canada also has the 'militia myth' from this time that was a key to it's identity.

Britain didn't get that much out of it as it was pretty much unwanted in the wider struggle versus Napoleon. Possibly there was some spite from some Tories at getting revenge but otherwise I don't know. Trade being resumed was big on the agenda.

[antaeus]

It was, but twcer's will generally vote for a win or loss over a draw.

1812 was one of those 'forming' wars that played a part in shaping the US identity. Canada also has the 'militia myth' from this time that was a key to it's identity.

Britain didn't get that much out of it as it was pretty much unwanted in the wider struggle versus Napoleon. Possibly there was some spite from some Tories at getting revenge but otherwise I don't know. Trade being resumed was big on the agenda.

an interesting fact, was how much disunity there was amongst the states for the war... trade between the united states and britain continued and was encouraged from a number of locations ... there was a lot of frustration about the failure of the us government to protect the northeast... it was a simmering conflict about the relationship between the federal government and the states which would eventually sow the seeds of the civil war.

the battle of new orleans is perfect propaganda, and may have been overplayed by jackson with his ambitions.. the british force certainly suffered in the battle and were well defeated, on the other hand, they withdrew relatively easily, reformed and moved down the coast.. by the time the news of the end of the war had reached them, they had defeated the americans near mobile and were preparing to take that city. certainly not the actions of a defeated force... it would have been interesting to see what would have happened in the south, had news not reached them, or had the war not ended.

[Oldgamer]

It was a ridiculous war. However, it allowed the British Empire to get some payback for the Revolution, and it gave the United States some great naval traditions. It also set Andy "by God" Jackson on the path to the White House. We also got our national anthem ("Oh, say can you see ...").

I say it was ridiculous because it solved virtually nothing. Britain lost a significant battle after the war was over. Impressment continued after the war's end (it was America's reason for going to war). It was a severe drain on British resources, when they were engaged with Napoleon.

[ELITEOFKINGWARMAN8]

It was a ridiculous war. However, it allowed the British Empire to get some payback for the Revolution, and it gave the United States some great naval traditions. It also set Andy "by God" Jackson on the path to the White House. We also got our national anthem ("Oh, say can you see ...").

I say it was ridiculous because it solved virtually nothing. Britain lost a significant battle after the war was over. Impressment continued after the war's end (it was America's reason for going to war). It was a severe drain on British resources, when they were engaged with Napoleon.

And America got whoop in Canada, so it really served no point.

[The Englishman]

The War of 1812 thread came from the American Revolution thread which came from Wizav's post.

Somehow I get the feeling this thread is going to end up with another thread being created.

[Boyar Son]

And America got whoop in Canada, so it really served no point.

canada=/=strong

[René Artois]

Good to see you old bean, it's been a while!

[Delta228]

It wasn't a real war...

[Farnan]

The US Regulars were good soldiers but we had some godawful generals...

Like James Wilkinson (who was a traitor), Van Rensselaer (who was given control of a large portion of our Army so he couldn't run for governor), and Winder (a lawyer by trade). When Americans were competently led by William Henry Harrison or Andrew Jackson for example (both of whom would become presidents) they performed decently and were able to match the Redcoats.

[Poach]

Ah the war of 1812, the war that both sides claim to have won....

It didn't get anyone anywhere, though I see that its viewed as a "forming war" in US identity. I suppose atleast that came from it!

[Azog 150]

A pointless sideshow and needless distraction to the War Against Napoleon

[Boyar Son]

Strengthened Union nationalism, but went down again during the prelude to the Civil war.

This thread seems slow though, so i'll start it off. US won the war of 1812.

[Markas]

Strengthened Union nationalism, but went down again during the prelude to the Civil war.

This thread seems slow though, so i'll start it off. US won the war of 1812.

And everyone else with a knowledge of history would say- 'prove it'.

[Poach]

This thread seems slow though, so i'll start it off. US won the war of 1812.

[Insert basless, national dick-waving, insulting retort statement], you damn yank!

[Boyar Son]

And everyone else with a knowledge of history would say- 'prove it'.

Serious reply to non serious comment

See:

[Insert basless, national dick-waving, insulting retort statement], you damn yank!

^Acceptable answer.

[Chukada1]

It destroyed any chance of Canada being included in the American Empire.

[Tiberius Tosi]

It was a pointless war. I'm pretty sure had it not been for slow communications that the war would not have occured. I am fairly certain the impressment ordeal had been satisfactorily agreed upon that America would have accepted, but because of slow communications, the US had already declared war on Britain.

In the end I don't really think either side won, both just kind of said "this was stupid" and stopped. Although it was vitally important in showing that the US could and would stand up for itself and give a hell of a fight. For Britain the result was nothing more than some minor embarassment, but by the time the war was over, Ol' Nappy was on Elba so no one really cared that Britain withdrew from the war anyways.