The War of 1812 - a Second War for Independence?

On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain. This declaration was the result of almost thirty years of stormy relations between the two nations subsequent to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This treaty ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States as a nation; however, it did not guarantee that Europe would respect its rights or neutrality. The "second war for independence" is the term that historians have appropriately coined for this war. It provided opportunity for Americans to defend their freedom and honor in the face of European disrespect…