The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. While the US failed to achieve its goals of expanding territory, the war established American independence and secured respect from European powers. Two key figures that emerged were General William Henry Harrison and General Andrew Jackson. Harrison led American forces to victory over the British at the Battle of Thames in 1813. Jackson commanded American defenses at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, achieving a decisive victory over the British that secured US control of the Mississippi River Valley.

1. THE WAR OF 1812 United States History