How Did The War Of 1812 Affect Canadian Identity

The War of 1812 was a devastating war fought on North American soil. The War of 1812 is one of the most historically significant events to happen in Canada’s history. It had a huge impact on Canadian identity and nationalism. It would eventually lead to Canada’s formation in 1867. It affected America as a Country and had lasting effects on their culture. It also affected Native culture in a big way, stopping them from forming a unified government and stopping the expansion of Britain and the United Sates. The impact on border relations is still present to this day as Canada and the United States of America share the longest demilitarized border in the world (War of 1812). The effect that the War of 1812 had on Canadian nationalism and identity was substantial. With people in the colony who did yet see themselves as Canadian, the war made them feel a sense of pride in their new home. Having fought alongside their neighbours and community members they all began to see themselves as citizens of this new colony rather than identify as American or British. There were also heroes that came from this conflict …show more content…
The War of 1812’s effect on Canadian identity also impacted Canada’s eventual confederation. If the War of 1812 had not occurred, the lack of Canadian identity could have caused the colony to remain so without confederation Canada a (Country by Consent: The War of 1812). The diversity that the region produced as a result would cause turmoil with its governing country and lead to Canadian confederation. It also impacted Canadians as they begun to see the oppression that Britain was maintaining on them (Country by Consent: The War of 1812). And even though the battle came to a standstill, Canadian still viewed themselves as the winners. Canada may not be the country it is today, or even a country at all, without the occurrence of the War of