Who won the War of 1812?
That’s the big question when American historian Donald Hickey and Canadian historian Ronald Dale meet for a panel at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum on July 12.
The discussion will be moderated by Marinus Zyta, host of the podcast Stories of 1812, and will explore the legacy and outcome of the war, fought between 1812 and 1815 by British subjects in what is now Canada and the relatively new United States.
Hickey, described by The New Yorker as the “dean of 1812 scholarship,” is the author of “The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict,” first published in 1989 and reissued for the war’s bicentennial in 2012.
Dale, a Niagara-on-the-Lake-based historian, spent 38 years with Parks Canada, including time at National Historic Sites. His works include The Invasion of Canada: Battles of the War of 1812.
“My interest (in the War of 1812) started when I was 12 years old,” Dale said.
While the topic may be contentious, the conversation is expected to be informative and measured.
“It’s not a debate,” said Dale.
Niagara played a pivotal role in the conflict, with several major battles fought across the region, including Queenston Heights, Lundy’s Lane and Fort George.
“Niagara was a battlefield,” Dale said. “More people were killed during the Battle of Fort George than were killed in any other single battle, including World War 1 and World War 2, for the people of Niagara.”
Still, historians disagree on who, if anyone, won the war. Hickey wrote in 1989 that it was “nearly unique in ending a stalemate on the battlefield.”
The panel may not produce a definitive answer, but it aims to explore the historical importance of the question itself.
Dale said the war helped shape Canadian identity and is worth revisiting, especially now.
“That war is the reason we are not the 51st state,” said Zyta.
The event begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Tickets are available at notlmuseum.ca/whats-on. Admission is $25 for museum members and $30 for non-members.
Donald Hickey will also be giving a talk at Fort George at 12:30 p.m. on July 12 followed by a book signing.
