Series: The War of 1812 in Canadian Memory

The War of 1812, Canadian historian Charles Stacey once remarked, is "one of those episodes in history that make everybody happy, because everybody interprets it in his own way." Canadian historian Donald Graves explores this interpretation, and how the War of 1812 exists in Canadian memory.

• Article 1: Everybody gets a trophy: Claiming victory in the War of 1812

  

  The War of 1812, Canadian historian Charles Stacey once remarked, is “one of those episodes in history that make everybody happy, because everybody interprets it in his own way.” Read more

• Article 2: An "absolutely truthful account": A Canadian perspective of American invaders

  

  By the middle of the 1800s, Ontario, along with most of British North America, had evolved beyond a simple pioneer society and was entering the early stages of industrialization. Concomitant with a concern to provide better educational opportunities for future generations, a wish arose to record the deeds of the past, including those of the War of 1812. Read more

• Article 3: Celebrating the Saviour of Upper Canada: A monument at Queenston Heights

  

  In the Canadian mind of the 1800s, the theme that self-sacrifice lead to Canadian victory in a fight against overwhelming odds was personified in Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, the British general whose heroic death at the battle of Queenston Heights in October 1812 caused him to be termed “the saviour of Upper Canada.” It also led to the construction of the most impressive Canadian memorial of the war. Read more

• Article 4: A Second Century of Peace: "Firm Friends and Allies" Invoke a Distant Past

  

  The centennial of the War of 1812 was celebrated vehemently in Canada with patriotic speeches, celebrations, and the unveiling of memorial tributes. It was a last opportunity for simple celebrations of the past, as great transformation was about to take place. Read more