From the Canadians perspective on the war of 1812. Here's a good little read. Though outnumbered, we held off those to the south who were trying to take control over the whole continent(so it seems).
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0008442
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0008442