The importance of the Treaty of Ghent, signed in 1814, lies in its conclusion of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The treaty effectively restored the status quo ante bellum, meaning that territorial boundaries returned to what they were before the conflict. While it did not address the underlying issues that led to the war, such as trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors, the treaty helped to foster a sense of national unity and identity in the U.S., marking the beginning of a more positive Anglo-American relationship in subsequent years.