The War of 1812 showed Britain even more that America was an independent and separate nation from them. President James Madison (1809-1817) led America in this war and wanted to secure America’s authority and recognition as a new nation. Even though America had won the war of the late 1700s and had declared independence from Britain, Britain still shot and took over American ships and would not respect their authority over the seas. So in 1812, President Madison declared this second war on Britain, a second full-scale war. Britain captured Washington (D.C.) and burned it, but not before Madison’s wife Dolley saved a portrait of George Washington. With Washington burned down, the newly independent America fought back hard and ended up winning this “second war of independence” against Britain. This second victory gave America confidence in its military and a greater feeling of national identity.
President Madison began peace negotiations with Britain and talked about how their 2 countries had very similar interests. He saw that America and Britain had so many common things between them that they should work together in trading and building up their economies instead of fighting against each other and hurting each other. So on December 11, 1815, President Madison gave Congress a trade agreement with Great Britain that would keep things fair between their 2 countries. In this agreement, he was very strong about America’s rule over American waters and American seamen with no international (i.e. British) interference. In this, President Madison told the world that this new America would keep on defending her territory and economic interests.
