Which war was fought entirely on U.S. soil between the United States and a foreign power after independence?

• A. The American Civil War
• B. The War of 1812
• C. The Mexican-American War
• D. The Spanish-American War

Answer: (B)

The key idea is identifying a war fought between the United States and a foreign power after independence, with the fighting taking place on U.S. soil. The war of 1812 fits this: it was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain after the United States declared independence, and many major engagements occurred on American ground, such as the defense of Baltimore and the Battle of New Orleans, reinforcing U.S. sovereignty. While some actions did spill into Canadian territory, the war is defined by its battles within and along the U.S. borders against a foreign power, unlike the other options, which were either internal conflicts within the United States or fought primarily outside U.S. territory. Therefore, this war is the best match for the question.