Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:08:59-1:11:51

British first rates on the Great Lakes after 1812

Completing the huge St Lawrence and Wolfe-class ships would provoke American complaints but probably not another war with Britain.

Great LakesRoyal NavyShips of the LineSt Lawrence Class Ships Of The LineUS NavyWar of 1812Wolfe Class Ships Of The Line
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How could Britain finish its Great Lakes first rates without provoking the United States?

Short answer

The United States would likely complain but avoid renewed war, especially given Britain's wider fleet and newly available European forces.

Notes

Washington had little appetite to restart the War of 1812 just as British troops and ships became available from Europe. Britain could present completion of the St Lawrence and Wolfe-class first rates as a temporary step before moving them elsewhere. American politicians might protest and attempt matching construction on the Great Lakes, even if hurried use of green timber shortened those ships' lives. The larger strategic comparison remained unfavorable because Britain could draw on many more first rates outside Canada. Loud diplomatic resistance was more likely than renewed war over the completed lake fleet.