Final answer:
The defense of New Orleans became an inspiration for Americans when Major General Andrew Jackson led a victorious defense against the British in 1814, bolstering national pride and confirming American resilience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defense of the city of New Orleans became an inspiration for Americans in 1814 during the War of 1812. The British forces, experienced from the Napoleonic Wars, attempted to take control of New Orleans due to its strategic importance to American settlement and commerce. Major General Andrew Jackson commanded the American defenses and orchestrated a stunning victory against the British, culminating on January 8, 1815, effectively defending the city and the vast Mississippi River Valley.
This victory at the Battle of New Orleans not only secured the future of American expansion but also propelled Andrew Jackson to national prominence, playing a significant role in the surge of national pride that swept the country after the war. The defense of New Orleans symbolized American resilience and capability, despite the limited natural defensive advantages of American cities as highlighted by previous breaches, such as the burning of Washington, D.C.