One of the more surprising things of moving to Canada has been the frequent references to the War of 1812. Americans, if they know anything about this war, know the following:
1. the White House was burned down by the Brits.
2. Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" after seeing the flag still flying in the morning after a serious bombardment.
3. The U.S. won one of its most decisive battles after the war officially ended (word traveled slowly back then) thanks to Andrew Jackson in New Orleans.
4. Also Americans are pretty sure the war was between the U.S. and Great Britain, not Canada.
Ok, so yes, Americans did invade Canada and sack York (present-day Toronto). Americans mistakenly thought Canadians would greet us as liberators, but they didn't find too many takers. The invasions ultimately failed, and some credit it for forming a national identity for Canada.
Canada as a country didn't come into being for another 50 years - July 1, 1867. They did, however, spend $30 million on the bicentennial celebration in 2012, which may explain why it is fresh on the mind of many a person.
So now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
Go Joe!
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