In the War of 1812, the United States took on the strongest naval power-house in the world of this time, Great Britain, in a conflict that would have an enormous impact on the newly found countries future. Causes of the war included;British attempts to restrict U.S. trade, the Royal Navy’s seizing of American seamen and America’s want to expand its territory. The United States suffered many costly defeats at the hands of British, Canadian and Native American troops over the course of the War of 1812, including the capture and burning of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., in August 1814. Throughout this cause, American troops were able to fight off and hold back British invasions in New York, Baltimore and New Orleans; boosting national pride and raising a new spirit of patriotism. The ratification of the Treaty of Ghent on February 17, 1815, ended the war with Britain. Many of the american citizens felt that it was in a way, the “second war of independence”.

                   In today’s society, the white house has seen some security issues that have the nation worrying. There has been a very recent case of people hopping the fence and entering the Whitehouse. The secret service was at fault, and there was a very big concern about the secret services protection. The leader of the secret service resigned as a result because she did not do her job in a sense. They added a new barrier outside the fence to help stop future attempts if there are any. Security of the Whitehouse has always been an issue.  It is the people’s house and the symbol of American power.  We are not at war with any country today like we were against the British in 1814 but there are still terrorists and others who can do great harm.

• NMAH | The War of 1812