Isaac Brock, English general and politician, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (b. 1769)
Major-General Sir Isaac Brock KB (6 October 1769 – 13 October 1812) was a British Army officer and colonial administrator from Guernsey. Brock was assigned to Lower Canada in 1802. Despite facing desertions and near-mutinies, he commanded his regiment in Upper Canada (part of present-day Ontario) successfully for many years. He was promoted to major general, and became responsible for defending Upper Canada against the United States. While many in Canada and Britain believed war could be averted, Brock began to ready the army and militia for what was to come. When the War of 1812 broke out, the populace was prepared, and quick victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit defeated American invasion efforts.
Brock's actions, particularly his success at Detroit, earned him accolades including a knighthood in the Order of the Bath and the sobriquet "The Hero of Upper Canada". His name is often linked with that of the Native American leader Tecumseh, although the two men collaborated in person only for a few days. Brock died at the Battle of Queenston Heights, which the British won.
1812Oct, 13
Isaac Brock
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Events on 1812
- 27Feb
Manuel Belgrano
Argentine War of Independence: Manuel Belgrano raises the Flag of Argentina in the city of Rosario for the first time. - 26Mar
Gerrymander
A political cartoon in the Boston Gazette coins the term "gerrymander" to describe oddly shaped electoral districts designed to help incumbents win reelection. - 24Jun
French invasion of Russia
Napoleonic Wars: Napoleon's Grande Armée crosses the Neman river beginning the invasion of Russia. - 12Jul
Upper Canada
The American Army of the Northwest briefly occupies the Upper Canadian settlement at what is now at Windsor, Ontario. - 7Sep
Battle of Borodino
French invasion of Russia: The Battle of Borodino, the bloodiest battle of the Napoleonic Wars, was fought near Moscow and resulted in a French victory.