The War of 1812 The War of 1812 began in 1812 and lasted until early 1815. President James Madison requested a declaration of war to protect American ships on the high seas and to stop the British from impressing or seizing U.S. sailors. U.S. ships were being stopped and searched by both Great Britain and France, who were fighting each other in Europe. President Madison also wanted to prevent Britain from forming alliances with Native Americans on …
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…a clear-cut victory, the American people saw the War of 1812 as evidence of the success of the democratic system. The war started a period of American history that has been called "the era of good feeling". This was a time when most Americans felt unified behind a common purpose. The War of 1812 convinced the country that it could now protect itself against any foreign threats and that its focus should be on expansion at home.