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American Revolution and the War Of 1812

The Revolutionary war was a rebellion against the legitimate government of the time where the rebels became victorious while the war of 1812 was a war between two independent nations, Britain and America. The War of 1812 saw America not faring well militarily in general and they lost most of the battles except that the fight they put earned them enabled them to negotiate a favorable end of the war (Allison et al., 20-45). The Revolutionary war was fought on the home ground that was triggered by the issues of Tax and representation while the 1812 War saw America as the aggressor trying to invade the sovereign state of Canada to kick out the British and grab Canada but it failed.

During the 1812 War, the Congress authorized acceptance of the volunteering forces and call upon the state for militia and this was largely caused by the difficulties of raising army. The 1812 war was led by War Hawk group which was headed by Henry Clay and the primary reasons for the war were economic, commercial, territorial and partly pretense (Allison et al., 75-100). The War hawks were a group in congress who wanted to invade Canada and make it part of the United States and were strongly supported by both the West and the South. The battling Napoleon controlled the continent while British was among the few nations free from French while America was neutral and could trade with both warring countries. The British were not impressed by the rights of neutral to trade and this led to an attack of American merchant sailors. The impression of the American sailors together with the British agitation of the native population on the western frontier made the war to be declared in June 18, 1812 (Morris 55-65).

The 1812 war saw the White House and Capitol burnt when the Washington, D. C was invaded as well as bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. The war ended in a stalemate when the Ghent treaty was signed in 1814 without even addressing the impressment’s issue which was one of the primary causes of war. However, the post war was regarded as prosperous by the Americans with improved diplomatic relations and economic growth. The end of the war inspired increase of pride among Americans thus causing them to expand westward (Morris 100-118).

The 1812 War found when the country was marred with considerable bungling and mismanagement and the nation was too young and immature. The government was inexperienced to prosecute a major war and most federalists were opposed to the war. However, the previous defeats such as the American success at the Thames in the Northwest motivated Americans to face the war. The country’s armed ships were more powerful and could be used in facing the enemy. The Native Americans greatly contributed in defeating the enemy and conquering the continent.

The American Revolution was sparked by several factors that included several acts put in place such as imposed tax, repressive acts and lack of American representation in the British government. The idea of enlighten thinking was also very vital in igniting the need for social, economic and political reforms. British was faced by financial crisis following the cessation of French and Indian war prompting British under the leadership of inexperienced King George III to change her policies towards America colonies (Allison et al., 375-390). The colonies that had been previously allowed to govern themselves had several policies imposed on them by the British Parliament barely after 10 years. The attempt by the British to increase revenue received from the colonies faced a serious setback when the colonies opposed these new laws. Colonies differed greatly in the interpretation of the new revenue laws that were imposed on them thus leading to resistance and open rebellion in 1775.

The American Revolution ignited fundamental changes in the principles, opinions and sentiments as new ideas affected the social customs, political ideals as well as gender and racial issues. There were several debates and conflict regarding government matters which had to transform America’s political culture by introducing democratic government with balanced powers (Allison et al., 225-260). The government adopted a new constitution that helped shaping up governance in various areas including economic, social, religious and political matters. Religion was democratized and separated from governance. Agenda for reforms marred the government and this led to an improved relationship between slaves and their masters, men and women as well as the upper class and lower class. Individual rights were highly protected by the government.

Generally, the militia played a major role in both the Revolutionary war and the 1812 War and they represented a larger overall body of the troops in the field. In the revolutionary war, the militia were determine3d to defend their homes and property but they were unfortunately poorly organized, untrained and had very little gun powder (Morris 222-227). Americans however, had outstanding leadership that included military, diplomatic and European imports. Colonists fought defensively and the Americans supported a just cause with a positive objective.

Works Cited

Allison, William T, Jeffrey Grey, and Janet G. Valentine. American Military History: A Survey from Colonial Times to the Present. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.

Morris, James M. Readings in American Military History. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall, 2004. Print.