<human>:  What's the significance of the War of 1812?
<bot>: The War of 1812 is widely seen as a defining moment in the history of the United States. It marked the end of the British threat to American independence and the beginning of a new era of national self-confidence and unity. The conflict also helped to shape a distinct sense of American identity, as the government and its people united in the defense of their homeland. The War of 1812 also established a sense of cooperation between Washington and the individual states, which helped build a strong federal structure for the newly formed nation.