Why isn't the War of 1812 seen as a defeat for USA?

by liberationforce

The USA didn't win any major battles other than the battle of new orleans and baltimore. Others than these the war was a disater for the USA, and even the capital was lost to the British.

[deleted]

It depends on who you talk to. If you talk to Canadians, they won, and vice-versa with Americans. Regardless, both sides benefited in one way or another. For example, the Battle of New Orleans boosted Andrew Jackson into the national spotlight and gave him the boost he needed in politics. Likewise, when Americans attacked Kingston Harbor, local citizens came forward to volunteer, creating a unity among what were then British subjects and later became Canadians. The Treaty of Ghent ended what was basically just a stalemate, restoring peace and neither side gaining anything.

Searocksandtrees