The British were busy dealing with Napoleon in Europe and couldn't defend their colony (that later became Canada). The United States invaded Canada figuring that Canada probably wouldn't put up much of a fight because we wanted to be free of British rule and wanted to be part of the United States (Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans would rule all of North America one day and was previlant in those days).
The United States was sorely mistaken. The Canadians were an extremely well trained fighting force and had the advantage of terrain. Furthermore, Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo and the British were able to send their massive Navy to the Great Lakes and to the US coastline. The (first) White House was burnt to the ground and the United States begged for peace/ mercy.
The United States would not lose another war until Vietnam. The United States would become an economic Juggernaught in the late 19th Century and would be the premier superpower in the 20th Century.
200 years ago, Canada kicked your ****, though.
An american history book will tell you that you wanted to assert yourself as an independant country and that you accomplished your goals in a failed invasion of Canada. Typical american propaganda.
It's the 200th anniversary of the British/Canadian victory.
Check out the web site. 1812.gc.ca
Which candidates for the Presidential election of 1824 participated in the War of 1812? The candidates were: John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, Andrew Jackson and William Harris Crawford. Also, What was the purpose of the War of 1812 (in simpler terms)?
If you could, add some reference sites.
