Battle Of New Orleans Essay, Research Paper
The battle of New Orleans is of historical significance because it took place right after the War of 1812 as the final confrontation between the British and Americans. Led by Andrew Jackson, the Americans defeated the British in New Orleans on January 8, 1815. It was just two weeks after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, although the news had not yet reached the United States.
Since the War of 1812 raised American nationalism, the victory over the British brought more pride to America, and it was a payback for the burning of Washington, DC.
Being that the War of 1812 was ended in a treaty and no one was declared a winner, although each side thought they had victory, the nation was somewhat discouraged. The victory Andrew Jackson brought was uplifting.
Andrew Jackson was a previous hero of the Creek War. Around the end of December, as the war was ending and small battles continued, the Creoles in New Orleans supported the United States and disappointed Sir Edward Michael Pakenham and the British forces. Jackson protected his troops against two attacks by Pakenham with good strategy. So well, in fact, that the British ordered for more troops, but the United States managed to block ships entering at Fort St. Philip.
This led into the assault on January 8. The British attacked with four different sections. One captured Americans, but was too small to remain in control of them. About 10,000 men on each side, the Americans were attacking very heavily with artillery and eventually killed many British including Pakenham.
The Battle of New Orleans was historically significant because firstly, it proved that the Americans could defeat the British, secondly, because the Americans won without the knowledge that they had not won the War of 1812, and thirdly, that the Americans could have pride in their country and not be dependent on Great Britain any longer.