I'll grant you, "sovereignty" might be a little strong. Although Canada didn't become a sovereign nation (more or less) until 1867, in many ways, the Canadian identity started with the War of 1812.
Historically, there were a lot of issues at play. The actions of the Royal Navy being one, Fenian raids across our borders being another. As for the trade embargoes, the US had as much trouble from France as England and the state of affairs had everything to do with doing business in a time of war and nothing to do with Canada. We were just a soft target... or so it seemed.
From Britain's pov, the invasion of Canadian colonies was a thorn in their side. They had to divert troops, more needed (from their pov) in Europe in Napoleonic Wars. Colonial militias had to be formed to support the British Regulars - the roots of our own regular army and navy.
From the Canadian pov, it was an attack on our homeland. A significant proportion of the population of Upper Canada (now Ontario) were Empire Loyalists. If they wanted to be American, they would have stayed in the States. Considering the American response to 9/11, you should understand that we didn't appreciate the political message Americans were apparently sending to the British government.
no subject
Historically, there were a lot of issues at play. The actions of the Royal Navy being one, Fenian raids across our borders being another. As for the trade embargoes, the US had as much trouble from France as England and the state of affairs had everything to do with doing business in a time of war and nothing to do with Canada. We were just a soft target... or so it seemed.
From Britain's pov, the invasion of Canadian colonies was a thorn in their side. They had to divert troops, more needed (from their pov) in Europe in Napoleonic Wars. Colonial militias had to be formed to support the British Regulars - the roots of our own regular army and navy.
From the Canadian pov, it was an attack on our homeland. A significant proportion of the population of Upper Canada (now Ontario) were Empire Loyalists. If they wanted to be American, they would have stayed in the States. Considering the American response to 9/11, you should understand that we didn't appreciate the political message Americans were apparently sending to the British government.