The War of 1812 is often called the "second war for American independence" because it was fought to defend American sovereignty, uphold national honor, and assert independence from British interference. The war addressed issues that persisted after the American Revolutionary War, including British restrictions on American trade, impressment of American sailors into the British navy, and British support for Native American resistance against American expansion. Key reasons for calling it the second war for independence include:
- It was seen as a continuation of the struggle to fully secure American liberty and national sovereignty, as noted by American political leaders like John C. Calhoun who described it as "a second struggle for our liberty".
- The United States sought to end British influence in North America and reaffirm its independence on the international stage.
- The war resulted in the Treaty of Ghent, which reaffirmed American borders and effectively ended British attempts to control or influence American territory.
- The conflict was also about defending American honor against British insults, such as impressment of sailors and trade restrictions during the Napoleonic Wars.
Although the war had mixed military outcomes and significant challenges, it marked an important step in defining the United States as an independent nation politically and culturally separate from Britain, solidifying national unity and pride.
Thus, the War of 1812 is often called the second war for American independence because it reaffirmed and defended the independence gained in the Revolutionary War against ongoing British challenges.
