The War of 1812 is famous for a number of reasons. It was during this war that the British burned the American capitol, Washington D.C. It is during this war that the Battle of New Orleans made the name of Andrew Jackson famous and led to his being elected president. It was also known as a war that didn't have to happen.

In 1812, England and France were at war, as usual. England would not let America do business with France. In turn, France would not let America do business with England. Each country began seizing America ships if they were headed for the enemies ports. This was not good for business in America. Leaders were very upset and demanded that each government stop attacking American ships.

In 1811, France stopped attacking American ships, but Britain did not. Sentiment in American was strong against its old enemy, Great Britain. France had helped the new country when it fought for Independence. Now many thought that we should return the favor and declare war on England. America sent men to England to ask the King to order his navy to stop seizing American ships. At first there was no response from the king.

On June 1, 1812, President James Madison asked Congress for a declaration of war against England. Congress debated about it and on June 18th declared war with Britain. America was at war again.

What America did not know is that two days before this, June 16th, Britain had passed a law to stop seizing the American ships. They had agreed to what America wanted in order to avoid war. But without high speed information systems such as telephones and telegraphs, word did not reach America until after war was declared. Then it was too late as the fighting had already begun.

Many lives were lost, many tears were shed, and a great deal of damage was done because the message did not get through. Peace was possible, but the message came too late.

The gospel message is a message of life and forgiveness. Imagine if God had never given us His word to tell us of it? Imagine if you had been born in a country where the Bible is not allowed to be read? Imagine if you never heard the message? You would never know that your sins can be forgiven and that you can have eternal life.

"To you is this word of this salvation sent." Acts 13:26

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