After the War of 1812, much of the anti-British sentiment throughout America began to decline. This was mostly due to the similarities of the countries. They speak the same language, have much the same religion, and use many of the same policies in government. There were times of tension, such as the Oregon border dispute and the Trent Affair, but overall relations got much better throughout the 19th century. British investors had invested heavily in American railroad companies and American industry started to influence the world. Right before World War I there was a time of social and political convergence between the two called the Great Rapprochement. This pretty much linked the US and Britain and helped shift American opinion in favor of the Allies during the War.