Demobilization

The Great Lakes - Neutral Territory

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Large Garrison Still Needed

Nevertheless, the existence of impressive fortifications, and the fact that the Great Lakes were recognized as neutral territory, required many men to defend British North America. Great Britain kept a contingent of 3,000 to 3,500 soldiers in Upper and Lower Canada and 2,000 to 2,500 in the Maritime colonies. What may have been adequate to face the regular American army would, however, not be equal to the task of dealing with the hordes of militiamen who would undoubtedly attack the country in the event of a new conflict. There was no doubt that the invaders would be better prepared than they had been in 1812.