Signed on December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812. However, it didn’t fix the problems that had caused the war.
The agreement was made because a long war with France had worn Britain out. Also, American leaders figured not losing was almost as good as fighting to victory. Still, many Americans believed they actually had won.
Defeating a powerful European force triggered stronger feelings of nationalism. Nationalism is a sense of loyalty and pride in your country. For the first time, many people felt they were Americans. Instead of, say, New Yorkers or Virginians.
