The Anglo-American War was a war caused by fierce competition between Britain and the United States. Britain is striving to undermine the growing economic position of the United States, while certain groups in the United States are also striving to expand American territory, especially the occupation of Canada. The direct fuse of the war was the British hijacking of American ships, using the excuse to hunt deserters to search American ships on the high seas, forcibly recruiting sailors on American merchant ships, and repelling American maritime trade. On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain.
The US regular army had fewer than 7,000 men. By 1814 it had increased to 38,000. At the beginning of the war, Britain had 48,000 people in Canada. The British Navy has 800 ships, including 230 large ships. The U.S. Navy has 11 cruisers, 8 small cruisers, and 170 gunboats. The training and equipment of the British army far exceeds that of the American army. In the course of the war, Britain successively increased its troops to North America, and also won the support of Indian tribes fighting for their own independence. However, the United States won the battle between Lake Erie in September 1813 and Lake Champlain in September 1814, thereby controlling important inland waterways. It was not until 1814 that the British navy was freed from the war in Europe and strengthened its blockade of the American coast. The exports of US seaports have been tightly sealed, and the volume of foreign trade has dropped to 25%. Because the British mastered the sea dominance, they were able to choose the weakest link in the United States to conduct assaults. On August 24, 1814, the British landing troops landed successfully and the operation went smoothly. They captured Washington in one fell swoop, but failed to develop the results. As far as the United States is concerned, this war has become a war for national independence. The United States has launched a patriotic movement, and the U.S. military has high morale.
In view of the complex international situation and the increasing resistance of the US military, Britain was forced to agree to peace talks. Russia facilitated the reconciliation of the two sides, because Russia and Britain united against France and did not want British forces to be transferred to other theaters. In addition, Russia undoubtedly does not want the United States to become an ally of France, thereby damaging trade between Russia and the United States. The peace treaty was signed in Ghent on December 24, 1814. The peace treaty stipulates that the two parties should return their respective occupied territories, end military operations against Indians, and take measures to stop the slave trade. After receiving the text of the Ghent Peace Treaty, U.S. Secretary of State Munro issued a note to the Russian Minister in Washington Dashkov, stating: "Your efforts to promote the establishment of peaceful relations between the United States and Britain are deeply praised by our President." The treaty did not resolve some of the disputes that led to the war. Therefore, following the Ghent Treaty, the Trade Convention of 1814, the Demilitarization Agreement of the Great Lakes of 1817, the North Atlantic Fisheries Convention of 1818, the Northern Borders of the United States and the Oregon Convention of the so-called condominium were signed.
As a result of the Anglo-American War, the independence of the United States was consolidated. Britain had to give up its attempt to blatantly disrupt American trade.