The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States of America and Great Britain lasting from 1812 to February 17, 1815 when the Treaty of Ghent was ratified. This war was seen as the second war of independence of America. After the US had gained a majority of its independence after the Revolutionary War, Britain still tried to maintain some control over the new nation. In 1807, Britain passed the Orders in Council to restrict American trading with France. The Royal Navy also practiced impressment, which was the act of removing sailors from American ships and forcing them to join the British navy. Britain also encouraged the native Americans to resist the westward expansion of the country. These violations by the UK agitated Americans and caused the War of 1812 to break out. After the war, Britain officially lost its control over America. This war happened very early in the life of J. S. Mill and likely didn’t have a direct impact on him, however, his father may have been exposed to the effects of the war.

Source:

History.com Editors. “War of 1812.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, October 27, 2009. https://www.history.com/topics/war-of-1812/war-of-1812.