Answer: Because of the emphasis on small federal budgets and military cutbacks.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1812 the country was preparing for another war with Britain and was torn apart by internal divisions. While the South and the West were pro-war, New York and New England were contrary, because it would hurt their trade. When the war was declared, the country was still militarily unprepared. There were less than 7,000 enlisted soldiers distributed in garrisons scattered along the coast, near the Canadian border and in remote areas of the country. The hostilities between the two countries began with the invasion of Canada, which, if properly executed, and in the right time it would have resulted in a united action against Montreal. But every operation went wrong and ended with the occupation of Detroit by the British. The US Navy, however, obtained a series of victories and managed to restore confidence. Also, American pirates that infested the Atlantic captured 500 British boats during the months of the autumn and winter of 1812 and 1813.