[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

Given that Canada was invaded by a much larger, apparently ‘professional’ American Army, that the British military was tied down with the Napoleonic wars in Europe, and that it was mostly Canadian militia and First Nations that defended Canada, and that the invasion was defeated, then yes, it was a VICTORY for Canada, even though in the end, no land was gained or lost by either side. It established a Canadian identity, different from a ‘colonial’ identity.

Forgive the run-on sentence.

[Peter Libra]

All three posts to me well read and the points well taken here. No scholar myself on that war, I do have extensive knowledge on the area involved in the 1812-1814 war. The paradise of the Mackinac Island, termed the "Gibraltar of the Great Lakes" is a tourist mecca. It was, of course the victory of the British aided by a fierce group of native Indians. The treaty of Ghent 1815 gave back the island to America.

The British Army had forts at St Joseph Island, Drummond Island. It was this knowledge that gave me to think of the British Factor in the struggle.

On a lighter note, a journal was kept on the Drummond Island which was American originally. The officer disliked the island, being a well bred British type. He also complained about the potatoes served and " a rather poor wine".

This the last territory annexed by Britain, who held on until 1827 to the island. A note was finally served which read that "if you do not leave immediately, we will come back with force of arms". The British left, leaving the cemetery and the unfortunate Irish soldiery buried there. Added to that the two chimneys of the barracks.