The War of 1812 had several important impacts: 1) It helped foster a distinct Canadian identity separate from British identity as Canadians united to defend themselves against American invasion. 2) Key battles were fought in Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region, strengthening Canada's defense and sense of self. 3) The war ended in status quo with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, but the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was a decisive American victory that boosted American morale after the White House was burned.