Treaty of Ghent Theme of Politics

The American public and Congress were divided on whether to enter the War of 1812. Henry Clay, a House representative from Kentucky, led the so-called War Hawks, who were eager to kick Britain's butt and march into Canada.

On the other side, a good chunk of citizens in New England, represented by the Federalist party, didn't want to get involved in the war in the first place. They liked exporting their manufactured goods to Britain and opposed embargoes and other trade restrictions that war would bring. They even convened in Hartford, Connecticut where there were whisperings of the "s" word: secession.

(And you always thought it was only the south that was obsessed with secession.)

The peace negotiations also proved politically controversial. Americans love being winners, and when news of the Treaty of Ghent first reached American shores, some people complained that it was too much of a tie. When Andrew Jackson and company crushed it at the Battle of New Orleans, more people became convinced—contrary to the evidence in the treaty—that America had won the war.

The pride and patriotic feeling that swept the nation after the War spelled doom for the Federalists. As the saying goes, they were on the wrong side of history. For the next decade there was really only one functioning political party and the nation got a respite from partisan bickering.

We can't even imagine that.

1. How would you characterize the political relationship between the United States and Britain illustrated in the Treaty?
2. If you were an American citizen in 1814, and you heard about the Treaty of Ghent, would you be satisfied with its outcome?
3. How did the Treaty of Ghent set the stage for future political developments on the American frontier?
4. Based on the content of the Treaty of Ghent, who appeared to be more influential in the negotiations—the War Hawks, or the Federalist faction of American government?

The Treaty of Ghent ultimately proved a political victory for the War Hawks and Republicans, and the Federalists were toast.

Something about the Treaty worked for both sides. We're still on great political terms with Britain, despite them insisting on calling soccer "football" and eating this.