For many Canadians, especially those in Ontario, the War of 1812 is most often associated with central Canada – yet other areas were affected by this conflict as well. In an interview with Global News, historian Brian Cuthbertson discusses the Maritimes’ connection to the war. Thousands of American prisoners of war, for instance, were held at Melville Island in Nova Scotia. Privateering and smuggling were important issues, contributing to both the seizure of American vessels and the fortunes of New Brunswick’s merchants. Connections even exist between New Brunswick and the raid on Washington.
Cuthbertson demonstrates that the Maritimes must not be forgotten when recounting the War of 1812.
Certainly, not enough attention is paid to the Atlantic maritime theater. Without the RN’s dominance of the oceans taking central Canada may have eventually become a “mere matter of marching” as vital reinforcements would never have gotten through to the Canada’s.