the thirteen colonies were British territory prior to the war of independence yet you folks declare it an American victory over the Brits...bit of a double standard eh.
http://wn.com/arrogant_worms~war_of_1812_bicentennial_by_moi
Huh?
Basically Americans declared themselves independent and wanted to get away from Britain and have them recognize that fact. So in that sense, yes, they were “Americans” (usually identifying with their colony/state) even if they undoubtedly called themselves American-British much of the time until it was won. I personally call them “rebels” because that was what it was. And I don’t have to worry about any particulars such as what they used, even “patriots” which is a relative term.
Canada was a territory of Britain and in no sense had any independence in any form until at least 1867.