ng to redeem its honor. After economic and diplomatic attempts to lift the blockade failed, the newly elected young congressmen (mostly from the south and the west) nicknamed the warhawks started pressing President Madison to commit our country to war. On June 18, 1812 President Madison signed the declaration of war for which America was in no way ready for.
             The War of 1812 can be considered both a victory and a defeat. On the victory side, we can state that against overwhelming odds we were able to defend our country and preserve our honor. It shows that once again the resilience, determination, and creativity that's been the mark of this great nation from the start allowed America to face yet another challenge successfully. On the defeat side, we can state that the war really didn't change anything that we wanted it to change. The treaty didn't change the fact that the British were supplying the Indians with weapons nor did we chase the British out of Canada. The war cost America millions of dollars, thousands of lives, and our nations capitol. It did however reopen trade with Britain and Europe, and it did give America back its honor and sense of purpose. The outcome of this war probably solidified our position in the world as separate and independent nation. If you're of the mindset that puts country and honor above all then t!
             Dennis Rasmussen Essay question # 2 Dr Dennis Casey History 1301
             If you look at one small aspect of this war you could infer, had the United States been able to stay neutral this war might have been avoided. In reality I don't think this war was anymore avoidable than World War I or World War II. American pride coupled with the fact that we were a fledgling nation experiencing a depression, political unrest, and being provoked at nearly every turn by Britain made this war inevitable.
             The American economy had never been especially strong, but In 1808 when Presiden...