Historiography of the War of 1812
The historiography of the War of 1812 reflects the numerous interpretations of the conflict, especially in reference to the war's outcome, since it ended as a stalemate. The historical record has interpreted both the British and Americans as victors in the conflict, with substantial academic and popular literature published to support each claim. The British, who were able to concurrently defeat Napoleon Bonaparte twice and end the Napoleonic Wars, viewed the War of 1812 as a minor theatre that was overshadowed by key victories at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, leading to the Pax Britannica. In the United States and Upper Canada, nationalistic mythology around the war took hold following its conclusion. Canadians affirmed their ability to remain separate from the United States. With the failure of the invasion of British Canada advancing the concept of Canadian identity, and of Canada as a distinct region that would continue to evolve into a nation. Americans were able to end the impressment of their citizens and enforce their sovereignty. Both the restoration of honor and what has been called the Second War of Independence are important themes in American historiography, and are considered significant