The War of 1812The War of 1812, supposedly fought for neutral trade rights, was a very peculiar conflict indeed. British trade restrictions, one of the main causes, were lifted two days before the war began; the people of New England, for whom the war was supposed to be fought, opposed it; the most decisive battle, at New Orleans, took place after the war's end. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain and France disrupted American shipping, confiscated American goods, shipped American sailors into the British navy, and both sides blockaded each other's ports. This caused great dissatisfaction among American traders, and Britain's kidnapping of American sailors particularly caused great uproar and indignation at home. Many called for war, although it is interesting to note that it was the Southerners and Westerners, the so-called war hawks led by Clay and Calhoun, who supported the war, who were least affected by British stocks. Some historians attribute this to their desire to take British Canada and Spanish Florida in war. The Republican administration, traditionally favorable to France, finally declared war on Britain in 1812, ironically two days after Britain had lifted its trade embargo. Two and a half years of fighting began and when the peace treaty was finally signed in Ghent, there was no mention of neutral rights. The treaty did not give whether...