The Effects of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 has always been a part of American history not very exiting to learn about for most Americans. It was a tumultuous time for the New Republic and some of the battles of the war shamed the new nation. The War of 1812 did not have the same glorious, honorable, and just cause of the American Revolution. The British made fools of the American people and even burned the Capitol and the White House, the centers of American politics, to the ground. However as shameful as the war was, it also had some good benefits and it demonstrated to Great Britain and the rest of the world that the United States of America was its own sovereign nation, and not some British Sphere of Influence. Although the treaty of Ghent failed to address the important issues that brought the United States to war, the War of 1812 helped the country improve itself internally by way of increased nationalism, greater industrialization and a more stable economy, and an overall safer nation. After the War of 1812 the people of the United States of America started to take a greater pride in their country and a nationalism rivaling that experienced during the American Revolution was felt throughout the states. After the War of 1812, the great hostilities of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties were broken as the Federalist Party was ruined and most of its members were absorbed into the Democratic-Republican Party. The result of this was a more unified government. Although many officials still disagreed with one another, as they were expected to, there were no longer the titanic battles that were present at the turn of the century. Because the politicians were less partisan, they were able to focus more on issues facing the nation and make decisions that were more for the good of the majority and less for the good of their parties. Besides the greater unity in the government there was a greater unity in the people. The final battles of the war and the end of impressment led the American people to believe that they had truly won the war. This led to a new pride in their nation. They know felt more like one people, and the basic American ideals and principles further developed during the "Era of Good Feelings." Another benefit of the War of 1812 was the growth of American industry. The Embargo Act before the war and the blockade during the war had halted American trade. Because of the halt in trade New England merchants and investors started to become entrepreneurs. Many factories and companies were started during and after the war. The textile industry led the way with its large mills. Also during the war there was a greater demand for goods and equipment to be used by the army. This caused an increase in business in some factories and as a result more job openings. This industrialization reduced American dependence from the rest of the world. This meant that other countries could not fully control the prices they charged for their manufactured goods, therefore strengthening America's power. The creation of factories also caused the government and private investors to make internal improvements such as roads and canals for the easier transportation of goods from the factories to the markets. The War of 1812 helped America industrialize making it less helpless and more economically independent. Besides nationalism and industrialization that the War of 1812 helped create a safer nation. After the war American politicians started to strengthen the national army and national navy. This meant that American would not be ill-prepared militarily in future wars. It also meant that America could better protect its borders from the Native Americans. The War of 1812 also eternally weakened many Native Americans. During the Battle of Tippecanoe, the Midwest Indians lost Tecumseh and with him their unity. Also during the war, Andrew Jackson brutally massacred many Creek Indians forcing them to give up 23 million acres. The war permanently secured American sovereignty. To say that the War of 1812 had no good consequences for American would be a terrible lie. The war increased the country's nationalism and united its people. It industrialized it, turning it into a modern nation. The war also made the country safer, as it would not be forced to wage war on a strong country for a long time. It does not matter that the Treaty of Ghent did not mention any of the issues that had pressed the United States to war with Great Britain, because after the War of 1812, Napoleon's Empire was lost and Britain no longer felt threatened by the Americans allying France. Impressment stopped and the Orders in Council were not enforced until they were silently revoked. The War of 1812 had great benefits on the United States even if the Treaty of Ghent made no mention of the issues present between the U.S. and Great Britain before the war.