The Second War for Independence

            In addition, there was a sense of geographical American identity being created too. During the years of the War of 1812, the United States had invaded Canada which ended up as a failure. However, when there were great battles on the Great lakes the Americans showed their superiority and was able to win. This meant that the border between Canada and America was being defined eventhough with the Treaty of Ghent all pre-war lands were given back. With the Treaty of Ghent came peace, in which America was able to move freely into their vast lands they bought from France who had to sell it to pay for their war with Britain. Thus, the vast land to the west was a result of the War of 1812. The Monroe Doctorine was a direct result of the War of 1812. This stated it did not want the Americas to have further involvement with the Europeans and if any tried to take over there the Americans would deal with it. This meant the Americans were claiming superiority of the Americas, and especially of the land they own.

            Conclusively, the War of 1812 did create a sense of American identity. American identity was created geographically, politically, and through nationalism. The War of 1812 created American identity through nationalism by Americans having more pride toward their country. The Second war for Independence politically created American identity by allowing Americans to be a great part of international politics and trade, and it created geographical identity by defining its borders and power of its land. Thus, the War of 1812 was not just pure destruction but it created something that would help make America a better nation, it created Americanism.