The War of 1812 is called the Second War for American Independence due to issues of sovereignty and British interference. After the war, American nationalism increased because of the nation's success in maintaining its territory and sovereignty against Britain.
1. Why the War of 1812 Might be Called the Second War for American Independence
The War of 1812 is often referred to as the Second War for American Independence because it was a contest against the British to assert American sovereignty and to put a stop to practices like impressment that encroached on American liberty. It was also a response to British support of Native American resistance against the United States, which hindered U.S. expansion into the Northwest Territory.
2.Reasons for the Surge in Nationalism After the War of 1812
The surge in nationalism following the War of 1812 can be attributed to the fact that the United States gained international respect and a sense of national unity emerged after successfully defending its sovereignty against British aggression. The American victory at the Battle of New Orleans, even though it occurred after the war technically ended, and the eventual signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which largely maintained the pre-war status of territorial claims, galvanized American pride.