Outcomes & Legacy

The War of 1812 helped the U.S. continue to expand westward and become more influential internationally.

Americans have come to view the War of 1812 as a nation-building experience. The war sanctified the American flag, and gave the United States a naval tradition and a national anthem that celebrates the defence of Fort McHenry. The war also won international respect for American sovereignty and power.

Heading West

Storming of the Fortress of Chapultepec

Print by Nathaniel Currier, 1847
Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library, Providence, Rhode Island

The Star-Spangled Banner, 1873

The Star-Spangled Banner

American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

Patriotic Souvenir

Patriotic Souvenir

CWM 20110096-001