Treaty of Ghent signed

Background. Following Napoleon's abdication in April 1814, British public opinion demanded major gains in the war against the United States. However, the British government's main diplomatic focus remained the European balance of power. Negotiations moved to Ghent in late June 1814, where British commissioners arrived on 7 August 1814, and the first formal meeting with the American plenipotentiaries began the next day.

Terms. The treaty restored relations to status quo ante bellum, returning to pre-war borders of June 1812. It released all prisoners and restored captured lands and ships, though Mobile and Spanish West Florida territory west of the Perdido River were not returned to Spain. The negotiations anticipated further discussions for a new commercial agreement.

Ratification. Signing on December 24, 1814, did not end the war, which required formal ratification. The British Parliament approved the treaty, and the Prince Regent signed it into law on December 30, 1814. The US Senate approved it on February 16, 1815, and President Madison exchanged ratification papers on February 17, 1815.