Stephen H.

Quispamsis, Alberta

Anglophone East Regional Heritage Fair (Hopewell Cape)

The Forgotten War

My project is about the War of 1812 with a focus on Sir Isaac Brock, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. I concentrate on how he became famous for his valour and strategy during the American attacks on the forts along the US Canada border.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned was that Sir Isaac Brock did not want to be in Canada at the time of the war but obeyed orders, stayed and gave it his all. I discovered that Brock was an amazing strategist. Despite his being greatly outnumbered, he pulled through and helped Canadians defend the border.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The most important lesson I learned was even if you do not want to do something, you need to give it your best effort. Brock wanted to be fighting in Europe and asked repeatedly to be redeployed rather than stay in Canada. He stayed in Canada, fought, and died carrying out his orders.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Life in Canada is extremely different for me now than it was during the War of 1812. The living conditions in 1812 were extremely harsh. The people would have to build their own shelter/house. They had no running water, no electricity, and they had to hunt for food. In addition, when I go to sleep at night, I do not have to fear an invasion. During the Seventeenth Century, boys became soldiers when they were big enough to hold a musket. So if I lived during this time in Canada, and we were invaded, I would be expected to help defend my country.