In comparison to the rest of the world, the continent of North America has seen few wars, and the ones it did see were fought by small armies in what could be called minor engagements, involving hundreds rather than thousands of soldiers. The total casualties of the War of 1812 were close in number to the casualties of the Battle of Waterloo alone. However, this second and last armed conflict between the United States and England and Canada had an impact just as great on the way North America is today as the Napoleonic Wars on present-day Europe.

Photo Credit: J. T. Keigher

For the United States of America, the War of 1812 meant a new sense of national pride - for the second time in history, the new nation matched strength with a country as powerful as Britain. For Canada - its first national heroes and defenders. For the Amerindians, the war was a last attempt to reclaim their lost land and prosperity - an attempt which failed and took away what little they had.

Who really supported the war? Not the British, preoccupied with their struggle with Napoleon. Not the Americans, facing a task of building their young country. Not the Canadians, who had to battle the severe Northern conditions to prosper in the colonies. Not the Amerindians, who would rather be left alone by the "white man". Yet in the end, they all found themselves involved in a war that could have meant life or death for either - the War of 1812.