They were in control of the Portage Route that came up from the lower landing at Lewiston, New York, and definitely needed to protect that. Certainly, land was a very valuable commodity. The acquisition of large tracts of land gave somebody a sense of wealth especially in a nation that was very agrarian at that time. By speculating in this land and acquiring the rights to it, the War Hawks tried to influence the political decisions being made. If they could get control of that land by the invasion of Upper Canada, they would become wealthy people.
Wealth brings power.
I nevitably, the War Hawks succeeded in the their lobbying to the United States. War was declared with Britain and many of the major battles were fought on our home soil. One event in particular cost the village of Buffalo dearly. F ort George, located in Newark, Ontario, was under British control until it was captured by American forces under the command of General George McClure in June of 1813. As the war dragged on, General McClure's troops stationed at the fort were called to duty elsewhere.