The signing of the Treaty of Ghent, on December 24, 1814, marked the end of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The treaty restored pre-war boundaries and effectively returned relations between the two nations to the status quo, meaning no territorial gains were made by either side. Importantly, the treaty helped reaffirm American sovereignty and national identity, particularly following the challenge posed by British forces. Although the treaty was signed before the decisive Battle of New Orleans took place in January 1815, the victory there further solidified the American perception of having succeeded in the war.