Author(s) :

Oliver Chi.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This article primarily explores the impact of nationalism on the causes and legacy of the War of 1812, and how it informed later historical events. Nationalism, as a desire to avenge both real and perceived slights such as the impressment of American sailors, British participation in the Northwest Indian Wars, and the perception of disregard on the part of the United Kingdom for American independence, functioned first and foremost as a motivator for the United States to declare war. After the war's end, it became a lens through which the public in both the United States and Canada could regard the conflict and frame themselves as victors before it ultimately faded from public memory. Politically, nationalism helped provide a sense of unity to the emerging republic, and helped solidify the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party in national politics. Culturally, the war provided several important symbols that emphasized national unity, which have lasted to the modern day despite the obscurity of the war in which they originated.