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Upper Canada

There's a general misconception the Thomas Jefferson couldn't have been more wrong invading Canada being a mere "act of marching." Many have commented on the fact that many loyalist Americans move to Canada in the 1790's . . . making Canada an unlikely addition to the US.

Although somewhat true, it was not the case in Upper Canada, where most of the fighting took place. The majority of the inhabitants of Upper Canada were recent emigrants from New York and New England. The reasoning for this was the very low taxes in Upper Canada (which was supported by the English government.) Americans, during the invasion of Canada noted that the yearly taxes on a 300 acre farm in Upper Canada amounted to $1.06; far less than taxes in New York at the time.

But it wasn't all a hopeless cause for the American invaders. Isaac Brock wrote: "A petition has already been carried to Genl. Hull signed by many inhabitants about Westminster inviting him to advance with a promise to join him - - What in the name of heaven can be done with such a vile population?"