Causes and Effects of the War of 1812: A Comprehensive Analysis

This report examines the causes and effects of the War of 1812, also known as the 'Second War of Independence'. The report begins by outlining the key causes, including America's neutral stance during the French-British conflict and British impressment of American sailors, as well as America's expansionist desires. The analysis indicates that while the war was partially successful, it was not entirely necessary. The report then explores the effects of the war, highlighting how it transformed American history, specifically by opening the Northwest for white settlement and ending the long-standing conflict with Britain. The war led to agreements recognizing American sovereignty and facilitating geographical expansion. The references include works by Donald R. Hickey and George Brown Tindall and David E. Shi to support the analysis.

Running head: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812
Causes and effects of the War of 1812
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1CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812
Answer A. Causes of the War of 1812
Several incidences and occurrences on the world scene led to what is known as the
‘Second War of Independence’ in 1812 against the British (Hickey and Donald). Two visible
causes of the war can be pointed out as:
First was America’s neutral stance during the French-British Conflict of 1805 and the
impressments of the American sailors by the powerful British Royal Navy.
The second cause of the war was America’s attempt to expand its territory to Canada and
other regions in order to meet its objectives of an agrarian society as encouraged by Jefferson.
After analyzing both causes, it can be said that the war, although partially successful was
not necessary but made necessary for America. Various factors contributed to this conclusion. To
begin with, America never wanted to be involved in the war that was between the British and the
French. It was the failure of continuous efforts for a peaceful resolution by the US, which led the
nation to declare war on Britain. Secondly, Jefferson’s agrarian policies forced the state to extend
its geographical boundaries. The 1812 war was an opportunity to achieve this objective.
Answer B. Results of the War
The war of 1812 transformed the history of America in ways that even the 1776
revolution could not do.
Notwithstanding the failure of America’s armed forces, the war created numerous long-
term results (Tindall, George and David). First, it opened the path for the white to settle in the
Northwest by flouting the power of Tecumseh’ Native American movement.

2CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812
Second, it ended the long-standing conflict against the British. The war proved to be a
new chapter in the relationship between the two countries who reached agreements that ensured
Britain’s recognition of America’s sovereignty and an end to British control.
It is thus evident from the above facts that the war of 1812 certainly proved beneficial for
the US. On one hand, it ended the rebellion of the Indians while on the other it marked the
beginning of a new chapter in the US-British relationship. The direct result of this was the
opening of the path for the US to expand geographically in order to boost its agrarian and
economic policies.

3CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF 1812
References:
Hickey, Donald R. The War of 1812: A forgotten conflict. University of Illinois Press, 2012.
Tindall, George Brown, and David E. Shi. America: A narrative history. WW Norton &
Company, 2016.