s major aim was to force the British to respect American maritime rights, especially in Caribbean waters where Britain had possessions. Even though the U.S. was not ready to go into war, and Republicans in Congress were reluctant to help the military gain needed resources, the votes in Congress to wage war outnumbered those against. The war persisted until 1815. After the war ended, there was the Battle of New Orleans, which was not even supposed to have transpired. Poor communications disabled the military from learning drafts for a peace treaty had already been written up. The British, led by General Edward Pakenham, landed an assault on the Americans, led by General Andrew Jackson, whose army was very well defending their positions. In a short time the British force was destroyed and the Americans had only suffered light casualties. The victory was significant in military terms but it was more important in creating a base for a much-needed source of pride for Americans. After this war, the U.S. felt free from foreign threats to their independence and way of life. The greatest threat to our democracy has been a man, President Andrew Jackson. This "Military Hero", served his term during 1828-1836. He was a public figure who came to symbolize the triumph of democracy. The election of 1828 saw the birth of a new era of mass democracy. After losing the election of 1824, he came back to win in 1828 by devising penetrating ways to win peoples' votes. The mighty effort on behalf of Jackson featured the widespread use of such electioneering techniques as huge public rallies, torchlight parades, and lavish barbecues or picnics paid by his supporters. His campaigning techniques proved successful and as president he came to be known as "a man of the people". Jackson found the modern political party (today's Democratic Party) and set down most the foundation of our politics today. As the seventh president of the United States, he was...
