How was the war of 1812 both a success and a failure for americans?

Success--secured independence and led to a growth in nationalism and industry in the US
Failure--the initial problems starting war were not addressed. The army struggled and failed to prevent the burning of Washington DC. 

The War of 1812 is referred to as the 2nd war of independence. Britain had not removed all of their troops from the Revolution and this was a chance to prove the US was a country. However, without a navy the US struggled and it would later prove to leaders the US needed to develop their own industries.