Nature’s Influence on the War of 1812

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Nature’s Influence on the War of 1812

Mother Nature played a part in every event in history, including the War of 1812. The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States of America and Great Britain that had been building for many years. By the end of the war however there was no clear victor and the issues that caused the conflict were never resolved. Nature played a crucial role in the outcome. Because of humanity’s natural strive for power, the living and fighting conditions of the soldiers, and the geographical layout of the countries involved, nature was a driving force during the War of 1812.

Hunger and greed are a part of human nature as much, if not more than, any other emotion. The struggle for power and land has driven humanity since the beginning of time. Wars and conflicts are usually results of this hunger as each nation, as well as the individuals involved strive to be the biggest and the greatest in the world. In particular, with the beginning of exploration in the New World the European nations began their battles for the largest empire. When the United States gained their independence in 1776 from the British it seemed as if the issue was over, but the tension with Great Britain did not end that easily. The tension only increased and a "tug of war" began over power in America.

Following the Revolution no one was satisfied with the division of the land or the resources found there. The land in America was considered to be a valuable commodity to everyone because of its natural resources. For example, the British and Canadians were upset because the Ohio River Valley was lost to them and its fur trade routes were vital to the merchants. Also there were many Indians in that area who wer...

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...after all because of the nature of human beings, along with physical nature. Neither of these forces could then or ever will be able to be done away with, all we can do is hope that never again will so many men die for no cause at all.

1. Sugden, John. Tecumseh's Last Stand. Norman and London: University of Illinois

Press, 1985.

2. Henderson, Robert. "Light's Out! British Army Beds and Bedding During the War of

1812." The Discriminating General. http://www.militaryheritage.com/bedding.htm

(November 24, 1999).

3. Hickey, Donald R. The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict. Chicago: University of

Illinois Press, 1989.

4. Mahon, John K. The War of 1812. Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 1972.

5. Brown, Roger H. "Who Bungled the War of 1812?". Reviews in American History 19,

no. 2. (1991): 183-187.

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