An intimidated Hull ended up surrendering his entire army and the city that August after a cannonball smashed into his officers’ mess, killing four. He also mentioned to Hull that he would be unable to control his Native American allies once the fighting started. Brock arranged for a bogus document to reach the Americans that told of large numbers of Native Americans approaching Detroit. British commander Isaac Brock then chased the Americans back across the river and began launching cannon fire at Fort Detroit from the Canadian side. Hull briefly laid siege to Fort Malden but soon withdrew after warriors under the leadership of Shawnee chief Tecumseh intercepted his supply train. These words proved immediately laughable. Grodzinski, a history professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, who specializes in the War of 1812.Ħ Scandals That Rocked the Winter Olympics “There was a lot of saber rattling going on,” said John R. Former President Thomas Jefferson called the acquisition of Quebec a “mere matter of marching,” while Speaker of the House Henry Clay, a prominent war hawk, declared that the militiamen of Kentucky were capable of capturing Upper Canada (essentially modern Ontario) and Montreal without any assistance.

Many Americans believed the invasion would be a cakewalk, particularly since Britain was so distracted by the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. President James Madison approved a three-pronged assault against Canada. The United States also took issue with a system of blockades and licenses designed to halt trade with Napoleonic France, and with Britain’s supposed foment of Native American unrest. In June 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, citing among its grievances the practice of removing sailors from American merchant ships and forcing them to serve in the British navy.

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