10 Historical Lies You Totally Fell For

10. America's Victory In 1812

The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 granted American settlers their freedom from the crown, and though domestic disputes would take up much of their time in the late 18th century, it wasn't until 1812 that the country sought war on a global stage.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Britain were fighting in the Napoleonic wars with the French. Tensions remained high with America, however, before the two countries inevitably went to war in 1812.

This was the USA's first major conflict as an independent nation, and taking on the British (though they were preoccupied by the French also) was a colossal task. The war lasted three years, with a siege on the American capital and an impressive, though futile, victory at New Orleans for the USA highlighting the war.

Many Americans will eagerly have you believe they secured victory in 1812, yet the truth is the outcome of the war was really a tie.

No land exchanged hands and the impressment of sailors was no longer necessary as Napoleon was defeated. 1812 is seen to be far more instrumental for American history than it is for Britain, though, serving as a reminder that they were here to stay.