Final answer:
Americans wanted to keep Europe at a distance after the War of 1812 to maintain national sovereignty, avoid the costs of entanglement in European conflicts, and focus on internal development and westward expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-War of 1812 Attitudes in the United States
After the War of 1812, Americans wished to keep Europe at a distance due to a desire for national sovereignty and economic security. The experience of the war highlighted the costs of entanglement in European conflicts and reinforced American support for the principles of avoiding 'entangling alliances,' as advised by President George Washington. The war's conclusion with the Treaty of Ghent and subsequent agreements like the Rush-Bagot Agreement and the Congress of 1818, which improved the United States' diplomatic relations with Great Britain and allowed for a focus on internal development and westward expansion, further solidified this stance.
The desire for distance from European affairs was mirrored in actions such as the Monroe Doctrine, which discouraged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere. While there were some advancements in relations, such as the protection gained by American shippers through British naval strength, the United States was primarily concerned with its own security and economic growth without undue influence or threat from European powers.