The treaty that formalized the end of hostilities between the U.S. and Great Britain in the War of 1812 was the Treaty of Ghent, signed in December 1814. While the treaty essentially restored the status quo before the war, it did not address the underlying issues that had led to the conflict, such as trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. However, it reestablished peace and allowed the U.S. to focus on westward expansion and national development. The treaty also cemented U.S. sovereignty and contributed to a sense of national identity following the war.