War of 1812 | When I Meet My Doom (Episode 1)

A 1999 Galafilm/PTV Production History Documentary series narrated by Kenneth Welsh. Click on CC for English subtitles.

This four-part series takes a look at this short but intense conflict between the newly formed United States, and Canada and Great Britain. The series covers events from 1812 to 1815, plus the repatriation of remains from Fort Erie to the United States. This is a complete account of the military history of the War of 1812. The series meticulously examines the war’s causes, principals, strategies (and blunders), and its legacy. It captures the viewers’ interest by presenting personal accounts of the war and how these individual personalities reflected and affected its outcome. The series pays particular attention to the motivations of principals through close examination of primary documents, such as personal letters and military communiqués.

The series brings to life an extraordinary, but not well understood conflict that decided the fate of North America, confirmed the creation of Canada, and annihilated for all time the dream of an independent Native nation.

Episode 1: Tensions mount between the United States and Great Britain. War is inevitable. The British general Isaac Brock sends troops to take Fort Mackinac, leading to the first victory of the war. Brock signs an agreement with Tecumseh, forging an alliance between the British and Canada's First Nations.