Aroostook War (Third Anglo-American Conflict)

the aroostook war

 

the aroostook war was a conflict that took place between the fledgling united states and the British empire that occurred from October 8th 1839 until the signing of the treaty of Webster–Ashburton on august 9th 1842. It took place on two fronts in northern maine and oregon country and it was primarily caused by territorial disputes that were not clearly outlined in the treaty of paris.

 

Causes of conflict

 

The united states had faced a financial crisis in 1837 which severely weakened the unity of the nation and left it struggling through the late 1830s. This left the nation weak to foreign ambition, more specifically the brits who wanted to assert sovereignty over the resource rich regions of maine and oregon. The war of 1812 only further inflamed tensions over the territorial claim and as further conflict arose between the two nations. Britain hoped that if they were able to secure their land claims that they would be able to stop american expansionism west dead in its tracks. Meanwhile the americans viewed these lands as rightfully american and above all wanted a pacific sea port incorporated into the union.

 

The fort kent incident

 

in april, maine raised a civilian militia and seized several unmanned british bases, including fort kent. Over the course of the summer several diplomatic discussions occurred between america and britain, but in the end they all failed. On october 8th a group of 3 canadian loggers encountered a the base filled with militia soldiers. They proceeded to drunkenly throw rocks and insults at the troops inside. Eventually the situation escalated and the canadians were shot. Canadian Locals in the area were absolutely furious with the u.s. for killing foreign citizens and an angry mob of citizens and some militia men chased the militia soldiers out of their bases on october 10th. This prompted an emergency meeting with the british diplomat later that month which resulted in an official declaration of war by britain on the u.s. For “endangerment of foreign citizens, inciting violence, and breaking agreements”.

 

The war begins

 

The first two months of the war saw some limited actions by both side. In early november british loyalist militias divisions launched a full scale raid on acadia, resulting in americans retreating out of the disputed territory and back to a defensive line south of disputed territory. Earlier in october the americans had lead a couple raids into canada, but none had been particularly effective on the war effort. Due to the fast approach of Winter, both sides postponed the arrival of supplies and men until april.

 

The war continues

In april the war continued with an offense into Oregon and increased military build up in Maine. The British planned to make a great offensive in the following year which would force america to make concessions, but first they began a shelling campaign striking vital ports such as Portland, new York, and Boston.