Treaty of Ghent: Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Article.Sentence)

Quote #4

The said Commissioners shall by a Report or declaration under their hands and seals, designate the boundary aforesaid, state their decision on the points thus referred to them, and particularize the Latitude and Longitude of the most North Western point of the Lake of the Woods, and of such other parts of the said boundary as they may deem proper. (VII.2)

The "northwestern" (the modern upper-Midwest) part of U.S. territory was a major point of contention during the war, with battles taking place on and around the Great Lakes. Although neither side gained any territory, the designation of borders effectively gave the United States power to continue its settlement of the area without British interference.

Quote #5

The United States of America engage to put an end immediately after the Ratification of the present Treaty to hostilities with all the Tribes or Nations of Indians with whom they may be at war at the time of such Ratification. (IX.1)

When is a promise not a promise? If there was a party that lost power after the War of 1812, it was the Native Americans. Without the backing of Britain, and having suffered several major defeats at the hands of United States armies, Native Americans were weakened in their ability to resist American incursions onto their lands.