War of 1812

- Season 1

(1999)

Tensions mount between the United States and Great Britain. War is inevitable. The British general Isaac Brock sends troops to take Fort Mackinac, leading to the first victory of the war. Brock signs an agreement with Tecumseh, forging an alliance between the British and Canada's First Nations.

Under the leadership of the legendary Tecumseh the native Shawnee people rallied together to oppose the conquering white men and their cultural influences such as alcohol. Future President William Henry Harrison admired the leadership and genius of Tecumseh but was tasked with ending his rebellion. This episode uses actors to recreate the conversations and correspondence between these two leaders.

The 2 sides are locked in a stalemate on Lake Ontario. General Wilkinson descends the St. Lawrence River. The American advance is repulsed at the Battles of Chateauguay and Crysler's Farm. By the end of 1813, much of Canada has been laid waste by war but continues to resist the invaders.

There are bloody battles on the Niagara frontier. The British sail up Chesapeake Bay and burn public buildings in Washington. But events in Europe influence the end to the conflict. Canadians, Native Americans and the still young republic of the United States feel the effects of the war for years.