How many Americans remember the War of 1812?...and Who won?

Answer 1

Only fools and Americans say the United States "won" the war of 1812.

Just remember that YOU attacked Britain, not the other way around; the UK had to stop your shipping because the US was trading with its traditional enemy, France and supplying Napoleon's armies.

Considering that there were only five thousand soldiers defending the entirety of Canada against the entire army of the US (35,000 was the offical number; seven times the number of British troops in Canada), that both provinces were geographically and tactically vulnerable at almost every point, I think its an absolutely spectacular American failure.


Think of it this way:

Some of the British attacks on America succeeded, while some failed. Even in the first four months of the war, over a tenth of the American army had been captured. At the end of the conflict, Britain had large armies ready to strike at many locations in America.

EVERY American invasion of Canada failed, or was eventually pushed out of the province. The one exception was an American force at a little British fort on the Detroit River. Aside from this toe-hold, the Americans had no grasp on Canada.

Answer 2

Well, the US forces never got to burn down Westminster, and their efforts to invade Canada were shameful. They did cut into British shipping a bit, and had success in several ship-to-ship encounters. All in all, you'd have to give the tactical decision to the Brits (New Orleans, the only major US victory, occurred after the war was over).

Strategically, however, the British did not bring the colonies back home, which was something of a victory for the States, as was the fact that the UK and the US have never since been enemies -- ok, there were some people in the UK who wanted that to happen in 1861, but it didn't, possibly due to the dying Prince Albert.

Answer 3

None. It was in 1812. They would be 195yrs old.

The war of 1812 was a world war and there was no winners. It was a stalemate basically. 1812 is just when it spilled onto American shores.

It was caused by Napoleon.

Answer 4

While I don't "remember" the War of 1812, I know that it is very important to both my families’ history and to our nation’s history.

This war began with the refusal by the British to abandon several forts in upstate New York and their continuous attacks upon our merchant fleet.

By defeating the British, allegedly the most powerful nation in the world, in this war, and forcing them to sign a treaty in which they agreed to respect our nation’s sovereignty, in addition to that of our citizens and sailors, we demonstrated to the world that we were an independent, powerful nation, which was to be respected.

This conflict is important to my families’ history due to the fact that it is what brought my family to this country. Prior to this point in history, my family lived in Prussia (Germany) and worked as mercenaries.

In 1813, they were promised employment by the British and boarded a ship for this country. Upon arrival however, the British reneged on their agreement and my relatives offered their services to the Americans and were immediately hired.

Then, at the end of the war, the US government was strapped for cash and decided to compensate my relatives with a land grant consisting of a dairy farm in Harlem. It was for this reason that they remained in this country and thus why I was fortunate enough to be born here today.

Answer 5

Technically both the US and Great Britain achieved their war aims.

The US got the British to honor the treaty that ended the Revolutionary War and ended British attempts to destabilize the American government. The British achieved a defensive victory by preventing a US conquest of Canada.

Answer 6

I must disagree with others here when they say there was no winner in the War of 1812, especially with regard to America. The British lost. They gained nothing.

Technically, one may say "stalemate" but just because one doesn't lose anything doesn't mean that the war's benefits or losses were equal. The war essentially ended all British influence in the USA.

Someone bigger than me may try to beat me up. It may be that we're both left standing, but being that I'm the smaller dude, and the dude will no longer come up to me anymore, for whaterver reason, and that I kept toe to toe with him, landing some very heavy blows upon him, would necessarily mean that the deterrent factor I posed results in all practical purposes, a victory, though each of us is left bruised and battered.

I suspect you were referring to the Anglo-American war.

Answer 7

Why does there always have to be a "winner" in a war?
Surely you have heard of a draw before. When saner minds minds realise the futility of continuing a war, they can negotiate a settled peace. Instead, try this - Canada won - since 55 years later it was able to achieve its independence from England without fighting a war, and it did not become another U.S. state.
p.s. Thanks for the thumbs down, "winner."

Answer 8

Nobody won. This isn't the United States of Great Britain.

Why I say this? Read the Treaty of Ghent. Know your history before you criticize mine, buddy.

Answer 9

Well Bruce I am only 42 so I guess I do not remember it.....................but mabye you can seek out the oldest living American and ask him/her, oops sorry they would not live to be 195.........................I guess your out of luck!