Posted by
Permanent_Revolution on Sunday, December 03, 2006 9:38:48 AM
Events can occur that people can agree that happened, and then other people disagree altogether. It is not written in very few if not any American history books, and is never spoken of. The war of 1812 was a war started by the United States, who were trying to invade British North America, because of a long standing problems with the British. The war was 2 years in length, and was fought by American VS. British and Canadian volunteers.The following is a great piece of information on one of the first attacks on British North America:
"On July 12, 1812, forces under General Hull crosses into Canada at Sandwich. The invasion is quickly stopped, and American forces are forced to withdraw. By August 16, Hull surrenders Detroit." (1)
Yes, the British and Canadian forces pushed back an American advance all the way back to Detroit. Where later it was surrendered to us. Under British orders though they were told not to hold any land, and to withdrawl after the war was over. So Detroit had at one time the potential to become Canada if the orders were not given. I will give the American's some credit though for the following:
"On April 27, 1813, American forces, under General Henry Dearborn, captured the British base at York, Canada. This is made possible by close cooperation between the Navy and the Army."(1)
There is one thing in the above that is not mentioned here, that when York was captured that the city hall was burned down by the American's. This later only lead to more drastic, and daring attacks.
This attack from British and Canadian forces was for the attack on York.
"British forces march on Washington. At a brief battle on the road, known as the Battle of Bladensburg; the British forces defeat the American forces, who withdraw in disarray, thus opening the road to Washington. The British burn the White House and the Capitol, but the rest of Washington is saved by a strong rain storm. The British, under orders not to hold any territory, withdrew."(1)
This defeat must have left a sour taste in the mouths of American's to be defeated by the British and Canadian forces. It was then decided to have it removed from the history course in some High Schools. Since they did not wish to publish a defeat. Other examples include Vietnam: Which was described as a "Tactial Military Withdrawl". This could just be classifed as running away, because you cant win. American's usually change the story or erase it completely from history if it does not side well in their favour. What will happen with the War on Terror? Will it be renamed to the War on Saddam? Just to say that they have won by capturing him?
**NOTE**
The information on this website says a "Stalmate" occured. This is only partically true. After diplomatic talks it was agreed that the war is over. The Americans were losing major ground, and were hit hard after Washington. They just wanted a way out and they took it.
References
1)http://www.historycentral.com/1812/