Following the War of Independence, the United States and Great Britain settled into an uneasy peace. For the next 30 years the Americans were occupied with building their nation. But with the Napoleonic War raging in Europe, Great Britain blockaded France, and prevented ships sailing to Europe from North America. This prevented the United States from trading with their biggest economic partner and ally, France. The British blockade policy also resulted in the search and even destruction of American ships. Demands for War against the British grew, especially in the American South. The Northern States proved resistant to the idea, as they would be forced the take the brunt of the War, and had trade relationships with Canada. An early version of the concept of Manifest Destiny emerged at this time, with the Americans desiring expansion of their territory to the whole of North America. The Americans opted to focus on Upper Canada, with the Niagara region becoming one of the first fronts of the War.

The most common military equipment in 1812 were Flint-and-Gunpowder based firearms. The most common weapon was the Musket, a muzzle-loaded firearm that fired lead balls through the ignition of gunpowder. The British used the classic "Brown Bess" Land Pattern Musket, a standard musket patter that was in use across all of British territory. The standard issue musket for the Americans was the new Springfield 1812 Musket. However, the militia forces on both sides used a wide variety of weapons, with many of them dating back to the War of Independence. In addition, the Americans had a number of French-provided muskets. Officers on both sides also utilized the smaller flintlock pistols, in addition to swords.

Both sides also used various forms of Cannons, which functioned in a similar way to muskets, launching a cannonball through the ignition of gunpowder. These came in several forms and calibers, and were essential in capturing or defending forts.

The forts of the time almost all used the common "Star-fort" style, also called Redoubts. These forts relied on their Wedge-shaped walls and Earthworks for protection, with forts often build into the ground, relying the Earth and their sturdy stone walls to fend off enemy infantry and cannon fire.

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