American planners expected an invasion of Canada to be easier and more welcome than it proved. British victories at Detroit and Queenston Heights contrast with American successes at Lake Erie and the Thames, followed by the hard-fought setback at Lundy's Lane. The British burning of Washington did not translate into successful invasions of New York or Maryland. New Orleans then supplied a celebrated American victory at the moment peace had already been negotiated and further British action was still being contemplated. The sequence resists a simple victory narrative by showing different outcomes across land, lake, and coastal campaigns.
Chapter · 1:47:47-1:50:46
The War of 1812 produced mixed campaigns on land and lakes
A rapid campaign survey contrasts failed American expectations in Canada with victories on the Great Lakes, British successes, failed invasions, and the ambiguous ending at New Orleans.