Final answer:
During the War of 1812, America was disadvantaged by the lack of a significant navy, military superiority, and efficient transportation.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the War of 1812, America faced several handicaps that put them at a disadvantage. One of the major handicaps was the lack of a significant navy to break the British blockade established around American ports. The Americans only had a small fleet of less than 20 warships, while the British had superiority in numbers and had the most powerful navy in the world.
Another handicap was the lack of military superiority. Under President Thomas Jefferson, the American army had been reduced, and they needed to quickly expand their army to match the British forces. Raising funds for the war was also hindered by the lack of a national bank, which made it difficult for the Americans to finance their military efforts.
Furthermore, the Americans faced challenges in moving goods and people efficiently during the war. Transportation in the United States was inefficient and expensive, with inadequate roads, canals, and ships. This made it harder for the Americans to mobilize their forces and supply them with necessary resources.