Final answer:
Zinn views the War of 1812 as a costly solution to a diplomatic problem, highlighting British disrespect for American sovereignty and the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zinn, as a historian, views the War of 1812 as a costly solution to a diplomatic problem. He highlights the lack of respect for the sovereignty of the United States by the British, particularly their impressment of American sailors.
Zinn also acknowledges that although the British fared better overall in the war, it was seen as an American victory due to the Battle of New Orleans, which occurred after the war was technically over.