Question

Why do you think it was so important for both the British and the Americans to control the Great Lakes during the War of 1812?

Answer 1

Answer:

Oliver Perry, the victor at Lake Erie, came from a distinguished family of naval officers. His father Christopher served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution and his younger brother, Matthew, fought in the Mexican War and later led the way in opening Tokugawa Japan to the wider world.

Explanation:

At the start of the War of 1812, the United States Navy found itself completely outmatched by the many times larger Royal Navy on the open ocean, with the exception of a half-dozen heavy frigates like the USS Constitution. With the Invasion of Canada, the United States opened an entirely new naval theater where they stood on more equal rigging: the Great Lakes.