Comparing The War Of 1812 And The Ratification Of The Treaty Of Ghent

On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed. This treaty officially ended the War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States. In the long run the treaty proved to be advantageous for the United States, America gained more influence, it made Britain cease any claims of ownership they held in the Northwest Territory, and had both countries come together to end the slave trade. An immediate effect that took place after the document was ratified was the release of prisoners and lands captured during the war. The ratification of this treaty will make Great Britain a close ally to the United States in future years. The War of 1812 and the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent brought more respect and power to the United States as

Congress set tariffs to protect local industries and economic independence. Along with manufacturing, the U.S. military also improved. The war persuaded Americans to focus more on a stronger defense, especially after the battles in Chesapeake (National Park Service, Star Spangled Banner). This resulted in defense strategies that formed the American military. Coastal defense and warship construction consumed American defense spending during the 1800s. The Treaty of Ghent caused the Americans and the British to return to prewar status, this included territory claims. Because of the retreat from the British following the Treaty of Ghent, the indigenous nations that were once allied with Britain were now vulnerable with a lack of financial and military backing (Hickey, 2012). Unfortunately, another element that left the American Indians vulnerable was the death of Tecumseh during the Battle of Thames. The United States was able to continue its settlement westward due to this loss of allyship. Many treaties were made between the settlers and the Native Americans in an attempt to negotiate for

Four to five thousand slaves joined the British in their fight against America in hopes of securing freedom. After the Treaty of Ghent was signed, these slaves were able to keep their freedom. In the 10th Article of the Treaty, it states that the slave trade is “irreconcilable with the principles of humanity and justice” and that both the king of England and the United States were “desirous of continuing their efforts to promote its entire abolition.” (Milestone Documents, Treaty of Ghent) Slavery would not be abolished in the United States until 1865, over 50 years after the treaty was ratified (Milestone Documents, 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: Abolition of abolitionist movement and ended international slave trade. Although the Treaty of Ghent officiated the end of the War of 1812, it had no imperative effects on the United States. Some may even consider that there were more downsides to the treaty, especially considering the continuing hostilities towards the American Indians. The debt also doubled the nation’s debt, increasing from forty-five million to one-hundred-nineteen million dollars by 1815 (History of Debt in the United States,