Afte The Battle Of Queenston Heights
QUEENSTON- The British were not prepared for an American surprise attack from the Niagara River, but that was exactly what happened on October 13, 1812.
In the morning of October 13, United States General Stephen Van Rensselaer attacked Upper Canada from the Niagara River. Rensselaer led an American army up a secret path and took over a gun area, gaining control of the battle. Without the gun disrupting the flow of American troops on the river, they were able to land on the Canadian side much faster. Major General Isaac Brock was woken up by the gunshots. He gathered a small force to regain the Heights (an important hill), even though he knew that the British were heavily outnumbered. Unfortunately, he was at the front of the charge, so he got shot in the chest and was killed. …show more content…
The United States had 900 regulars and 2650 militia, while Britain only had 2000 people on the entire Niagara front with 200 men guarding Queenston. Surprisingly, Britain won this battle due to several reasons. First of all, the British held back the Americans for long enough, so the reinforcements were able to make it in time. Moreover, the main body of American militiamen refused to cross the river, as they weren’t required to fight outside of United States. Finally, the British reinforcements led by Sheaffe launched a surprise attack behind the Americans. This surprise attack was essential in the victory of the battle, as it surrounded the Americans and gave the British the element of surprise. The trapped Americans were rushed by British soldiers holding bayonets on the front side, while there were tall cliffs on the other side. This battle strategy caused them to panic, leading to a surrender. All of these factors, along with the British and Indigenous soldiers’ bravery and coordination allowed them to win this exceedingly tough
In the morning of October 13, United States General Stephen Van Rensselaer attacked Upper Canada from the Niagara River. Rensselaer led an American army up a secret path and took over a gun area, gaining control of the battle. Without the gun disrupting the flow of American troops on the river, they were able to land on the Canadian side much faster. Major General Isaac Brock was woken up by the gunshots. He gathered a small force to regain the Heights (an important hill), even though he knew that the British were heavily outnumbered. Unfortunately, he was at the front of the charge, so he got shot in the chest and was killed. …show more content…
The United States had 900 regulars and 2650 militia, while Britain only had 2000 people on the entire Niagara front with 200 men guarding Queenston. Surprisingly, Britain won this battle due to several reasons. First of all, the British held back the Americans for long enough, so the reinforcements were able to make it in time. Moreover, the main body of American militiamen refused to cross the river, as they weren’t required to fight outside of United States. Finally, the British reinforcements led by Sheaffe launched a surprise attack behind the Americans. This surprise attack was essential in the victory of the battle, as it surrounded the Americans and gave the British the element of surprise. The trapped Americans were rushed by British soldiers holding bayonets on the front side, while there were tall cliffs on the other side. This battle strategy caused them to panic, leading to a surrender. All of these factors, along with the British and Indigenous soldiers’ bravery and coordination allowed them to win this exceedingly tough