Answer:
Some call the War of 1812, the United State's second war of independence because it generated a lot of pride and helped to consolidate political views after the war, to the point that the period after the war ended in 1815 is referred to as the "Era of Good Feelings." But there were also divisions between the Federalists who supported Britain and the other emerging political forces who wanted expansionism, especially West and who supported the ideas of the French Revolution.
Explanation:
Examples of Division:
The Northeastern United States relied heavily on trade with Britain, so they were therefore opposed with beginning the war. These were the Federalists who accused war supporters of wanting to use the war as an excuse to advance their expansive agenda West. There were partisan divides in Congress between the Federalists who were seen to support Britain and the other interests represented by the Democratic-Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson, who were more interested in expansionism and breaking ties with England.
Examples of National Unity:
The war was impactful in the United States because it led to the demise of the Federalist party and boosted confidence in the idea of a nation without strong ties to Britain. Winning the Battle at New Orleans, for example, helped to fuel the growing spirit of expansionism that would characterize the years up until the civil war. It also signaled a consolidation of power and opinion against the Native American communities who were being pushed West. It is a decisive turning point in the struggle of Native Americans against large-scale American expansion further West into their territories.
