Which war is often regarded as the second American war for independence?

The War of 1812 is often considered the second American war for independence because it was fought between the United States and Great Britain, primarily over issues related to trade restrictions, British impressment of American sailors, and the desire of expansionist Americans to annex Canada. This conflict was viewed as a means to affirm the sovereignty and independence that had been achieved during the Revolutionary War.

The victory in the War of 1812 bolstered national pride and unity, reinforcing the United States' position as an independent nation capable of defending its rights against a former colonial power. The war is seen as an assertion of American independence and a rejection of ongoing British interference in U.S. affairs. Key events, such as the burning of Washington, D.C., and the successful defense of Baltimore, became symbols of national resilience.

In contrast, while the Revolutionary War established independence from Britain, the other wars mentioned do not fit the criteria of being a direct conflict aimed at securing independence from a colonial power. The Mexican-American War, for example, was driven more by the expansionist ideology of Manifest Destiny than a struggle for independence, while the Civil War was centered around issues of slavery and states' rights, rather than independence from foreign control.