What did Americans underestimate in their eagerness for the War of 1812?

Answer 1

The Americans underestimated two things in their eagerness to start the War of 1812. They were (a) the desire of the people of Canada to remain loyal to the Crown and (b) the vigour and preparedness with which Canadians would defend their soil in case of attack.

And there was motivation: American politicians convinced themselves that Canadians would greet them as "liberators": After all, Britain had captured New France only a half century earlier, and in English-speaking Upper Canada, more than half the population had been born in the US. Even British general Isaac Brock was worried about putting guns into the hands of the local militias.

But the British had been surprisingly prudent, by granting Quebec freedom of religion. The American colonies, by comparison, were wildly anti-Catholic, and accused the Brits of taking orders from the Pope (deeply ironic, considering what the British were doing to their own Catholics, and those in Ireland.) The Americans should have known better: Quebecers had demonstrated their choice in 1775, when they defeated an invasion of Quebec by the Continental Army.

As a result, the US suffered heavy losses and many embarrassing defeats at the hands of the Canadian militia. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Canada captured Detroit without a fight. Under the leadership of the brilliant military strategist, Sir Isaac Brock, Canada repelled every attempt to invade by the American forces.

Sir Isaac Brock died a hero during the Battle of Queenston Heights.