Why the Capital City Invasion Did Not Determine the Outcome of the War of 1812

Traditionally, when a capital city is invaded and conquered, the war is considered to be won. However, this was not the case during the War of 1812. This article explores why this occurred and what set this conflict apart from others.

The Norm of Capital City Conquest

It is widely known that capturing the capital city has often been a key factor in determining the outcome of military conflicts. Examples such as Moscow during the Napoleonic Wars and Seoul during the Korean War underscore this point. Yet, in the context of the War of 1812, the capital city of the combatants was not the focus of the primary military engagements.

The War of 1812 and the Battle of Borodino

The War of 1812, a part of the larger Napoleonic Wars, saw one of the major battles fought at Borodino, outside Moscow. The battle resulted in a successful defense for the Russians, led by General Mikhail Kutuzov, and a setback for the French forces under Napoleon. This battle has left an enduring legacy in music with the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky.

Geopolitical Context of the United States

It is important to note that the United States, being a federal republic with 50 states, has never engaged in a Napoleonic type war. Key aspects of the American war experience include the invasions of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston during the American Revolutionary War (1776). However, the significance of these invasions paled in comparison to the broader war efforts. Washington D.C., in 1812, was a half-finished city in a swamp and not considered a major strategic target. Despite the occupation of Baltimore, the American forces held strong and carried on with the fight.

Historical Examples of Capital City Invasions

Several historical examples clearly illustrate that capturing a capital city is not the sole determinant of war outcomes. For instance, in 1812, Napoleon captured the capital of the Russian Empire, Moscow, and in 1814, the Russian forces captured Paris. Similarly, Athens fell to the Persians in 480 BCE, and Russia captured Berlin in 1760, yet the war efforts continued. The German forces occupied Brussels during World War I, and Japanese forces occupied Nanjing during World War II, without ending hostilities.

Strategic Considerations

The effectiveness of capital city invasions can be measured not just by the presence of the capital, but by the ability to maintain control over it. The British, in the case of Washington D.C. during the War of 1812, had no intention of keeping the city. Their primary goal was to make a statement about American civilian terrorizing and looting of York (now Toronto). It is the ability to control the leadership and maintain vigor in the war efforts that truly decides the outcome, not the mere capture of a capital city.

Ultimately, the War of 1812 stands as an example of how a capital city's capture does not automatically signify the end or beginning of a war. The resilience and determination of the forces involved, as well as their strategic choices, play a much more significant role in determining the outcome.