Canadian Conflicts

 The American Revolution would create one country of the thirteen colonies that had joined together. But in the influx of Loyalists heading north afterwards, it also helped lay the groundwork for the creation of another country: Canada.

Distrust and hostility between Britain and the United States would later lead to the War of 1812. The Americans sought to drive the British out of North America once and for all. The British and the Canadians were determined to prevent that from happening.

This is a model of the H.M.S St. Lawrence, a veteran of that war, which today lies just off shore of Kingston, Ontario.

The painting here is of John Norton, a war chief who fought in the War of 1812. 

General Isaac Brock was a British general who commanded regulars during the war. His coat is preserved here- with the bullet hole visible on the material.

Brock was killed at the Battle of Queenston Heights against American invaders. First Nations warriors and Canadian militia drove the invaders back and won the day. Today, Brock is buried where he fell, and a magnificent monument is situated there.

Medical tools from later in the century, but rather familiar to those doctors who were engaged in the War of 1812.

A uniform coat and other equipment for a Canadian soldier is here. The display also includes items like a Union soldier cap, medals, and a certificate. The American Civil War had a big influence on the Canadian colonies becoming one country in Confederation. The Fenian Raids came in the aftermath of that war- Irish American veterans of the Union Army repeatedly invading Canada in the hopes of holding it for ransom to force the British to grant independence to Ireland. Each time they were pushed out.

The Gatling gun was brought into use by the military in the Canadian West in the latter half of the 19th century.

This archway takes us into the next gallery, focusing on wars for empire.

At the end of the 19th century, the Victorian era was being celebrated across the empire.

Canadian soldiers would go oversea as part of the South African War, an endeavour by the British against the Boer Republics.