Battle of New Orleans, Essay Example

The Battle of New Orleans in 1815 may have played out very differently had British forces advanced more quickly towards the city. The British troops had slowed in their advance on New Orleans; had they arrived sooner, it is possible they may have taken the city. New Orleans was a vital American city, serving as a commercial and strategic gateway to the Mississippi River. The river was a key waterway in the U.S.; the British could have effectively cut off supply routes for American troops, shipping and commerce for the American people, and access to significant stretches of American territory. By the time the battle took place, the Treaty of Ghent had already been signed, but it had not yet been ratified; had the British arrived earlier and taken the city, the treaty would not have been signed and the war would have continued with the British having a decisive advantage. The battle had significant political implications as well; the victory at New Orleans under Andrew Jackson helped become a national hero, paving the way for his political career.