HISTORY

US versus UK

In almost all categories the US Army was outnumbered by Great Britain in the War of 1812. The US starts the War with about 10,000 troops (7,000 regulars and 3,000 rangers) While British troops in Canada number about 15,000 (5,200 English regulars and 10,000 Canadian Provincial regulars.) In addition, the British also had 250,000 regulars it could call on in Europe. Some of which were sent here in 1814-1815.

By war's end the US army had increased to 36,000. While available British Regulars in North America grew to 48,000.

As for Native American allies, the US was totally outclassed, with 10,000 supporting the UK in Canada and 125 supporting the US. That doesn't count the 30,000 or so Native Americans who were otherwise opposed to the US, but had nothing to do with the British, like the Creeks.

Only on the militia front did the US appear to be ahead. The US listed 460,000 men in the ranks of the militia, while Canada fielded a mere 4,000. Since few of these US militia were called up . . . and even fewer of them were willing to cross the boarder into Canada, their value would be questionable. Only at two battles did militia take and important role. In Bladensburg in 1814 6,500 militia and 400 regulars briefly defended against 4,500 British regulars and Marines. The outcome of that battle speaks for itself. It might be more accurate to say that 400 US regulars and sailors held off ten times their number while 6,500 militia watched before leaving the field. At Baltimore US Militia did considerably better: 11,000 fending off 5,000 British regulars successfully. The presence of 150 US artillery pieces may have been a factor here.