By David and Jeanne T. Heidler
The year 1814 decided the war, but with unexpected results. Americans abandoned any thoughts of offensive operations and braced for a wave of British invasions. In Europe, the distraction of Napoleon came to an end in mid-1814 when he was defeated and forced into exile, requiring the United States to face the prospect of thousands of seasoned British veterans becoming available for the war in North America. The British planned accordingly.
News about the victory in New Orleans reached Washington, D.C. in early February 1815, shortly before the treaty of peace arrived from Europe. The two events became linked in the public mind as evidence, if dubious, of America winning the war.
Last updated: February 26, 2015