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Whose War Was It Anyway Analysis

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In the podcast, “Whose War Was It, Anyway?”, five historians observe and interpret the War of 1812 from various perspectives, influenced by their interest and area of studying. Different ways of looking at the history and improvement of technology over time has changed how the history of the War of 1812 has been studied. From various viewpoints, historians agree or disagree either with each other or with the way that the War of 1812 has been written by discovering new information and distortion of history, and providing their own interpretations of historical events. Additionally, the advance in technology has provided historians better access and information on the historical event, for instance, digitalized of the archives made the unknown …show more content…

For example, Stephen Harper articulates the war helped Canada be an independent and free country and emphasizes the heroic effects of Canadians; however, there was “no such thing as Canada” (Swift, Jamie) during that time. Also, the First nations treated as a hero even though they were real losers due to the betrayal of Britain on treaty of Ghent. Swift also remark that we should remember how the British “double crossed their principal and most important allies” (Swift, …show more content…

He mentions about the lack of respect for their contribution and that they were described as brutal and savage.

The five historians agree or disagree with the way that war of 1812 has been written. Both Emerson and Elliot describe that the study of history is focused on interests of the majority and exclude minorities. For example, Emerson illustrates how historians did not place a greater emphasis on the contribution of women. Elliot also refers that Britain was not keen to recall war of 1812, which was lesser important event. Moreover, Swift and Jamieson questions about rebranding Canada as a nation of militarism.

I think the Canadian Conservative Government should not pursue to rebrand Canada as a nation of militarism. It might provide Canadians patriotism and images that they want people to have toward Canada; however, it is misrepresenting historical events by reshaping memory and understanding. For example, the First Nations are described as hero even though they were the real loser. They were exploited as a buffer zone and betrayed by the Britain. Also, as Jamieson mentioned, they are not receiving respect for what they have done. They have been effectively omitted from the war of 1812 enactment. Furthermore, if the government successes to rebrand Canada, it is possible that people believe the reshaped image and observe

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