War of 1812

“In view of the wants and needs of an infant United States (1783-1812), the War of 1812 was extremely successful in its results.” The War of 1812 is significant to United States history in a number of ways. The War, and our not losing it, reaffirmed American Independence. Second, the war showed the Americans that a stronger military was needed. It strengthened our isolation by giving us courage. The war also served to improve our economy as it stimulated manufacturing. Finally, the War of 1812 resulted in the death of the Federalist Party. All these results helped the wants and needs of our newly won independence. Our young country was gaining respect and slowly acquiring the necessities to survive.

The War of 1812 was the second time we had gone to war with Great Britain, and the second time we had not lost. Never again would our Independence as a nation be called into question. Early naval wins such as the battle won by Thomas Macdonough instilled hope in the hearts and the minds of Americans. Restoring themselves after almost losing the battle, the American Flagship turned itself around, facing the enemy with a fresh side and defeated the British navy. The writing of our “National Anthem” also called the Americans to join forces. The British, after burning down the capitol, went to destroy Baltimore. Despite “the bombs bursting in air,” Francois Scott Key set the most unifying words on paper.

Since we had been caught unprepared, our military and nationalism had, in many respects, been humiliating to the U.S. After the invasion and burning of Washington we saw the necessity of a standing army. However, the war did strengthen our isolation. The United States realized that they should no longer focus on the big boys in Europe but focus on the little guys in our own hemisphere. This led to the Monroe Doctrine and our breaking away from Great Britain.

Before and during the war our trade was severely interrupted and negatively affected which...