Why is General Isaac Brock so important?

Many people credit the existence of Canada as an independent nation to the foresight of the British General Isaac Brock. Following the American Revolutionary War, Brock was stationed in Canada to protect it against a potential United States invasion.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris had officially ended the American Revolution, but it did not settle the differences between the United States and Great Britain. Consequently, by 1800 the two nations were becoming increasingly hostile toward...

Many people credit the existence of Canada as an independent nation to the foresight of the British General Isaac Brock. Following the American Revolutionary War, Brock was stationed in Canada to protect it against a potential United States invasion.

The 1783 Treaty of Paris had officially ended the American Revolution, but it did not settle the differences between the United States and Great Britain. Consequently, by 1800 the two nations were becoming increasingly hostile toward one another. Many British citizens, politicians, and military officers thought that war would be averted by diplomacy; General Isaac Brock was not so hopeful.

Brock increased the size of the Canadian militia, submitted the militia to strict training regimens, and repaired and enhanced Canadian defenses. These actions were somewhat unpopular, but Brock believed war was coming. He was right.

War broke out in 1812, and the United States immediately moved to invade and capture Canada. Brock led the Canadian militia to victories at Detroit, Fort Mackinac, and the Battle of Queenston Heights (although he died during the battle). These victories prevented the United States from gaining a foothold in Canada. For his foresight and valor, Brock was knighted (news did not reach Canada until after his death) and declared the "Hero of Upper Canada."