Aroostook War for real

This was, in real life, a minor border dispute between the US and the UK over the border of Maine. Congress authorized the raising of 50,000 troops in the event the British crossed the border. New Brunswick and Maine had been threatening each other, and Maine even threatened to defend itself alone.

Could this conflict have spun out of control, or are the disputes of a bunch of lumberjacks not worth a war at this time?
 
The governor of Maine actually did declare war, the only time a governor took such action, and sent militia troops north to establish Fort Kent and Fort Fairfield. So there was the possibility of events spiraling out of control.
 
Really!?! That's wack! I would imagine the initial fighting would be limited in scope, but how long before the US could mobilize? Would the Royal Navy still be so OP versus the USN, or is the USN a threat? I would assume the land forces in Canada would be outnumbered. I bet the British could pull off another land invasion a la 1812, diverting the US from Canada.
 
I think more important than any possible increase in US military strength since 1812 is the fact that, unlike the previous war, in this one the UK would NOT be distracted by a more important European conflict, and could if necessary turn the full brunt of its military on the US. If the Americans took the initiative and invaded Canada it would only make things that bit easier, since the need to occupy land or siege cities would be lessened, and a defensive war is frequently an easier war to win.
 
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