What was the primary cause of the War of 1812?

The primary cause of the War of 1812 was British interference with American shipping. In the early 19th century, Britain was involved in the Napoleonic Wars and sought to restrict American trade with France, leading to the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy and the seizure of American merchant ships. This interference was viewed by many Americans as a violation of their sovereignty and rights as a neutral nation, causing significant tension between the U.S. and Britain.

The actions taken by the British not only threatened American economic interests but also instigated a strong sense of nationalism among the American population. Many political leaders and citizens believed that responding militarily to British aggression was essential for asserting the nation's independence and securing its maritime rights, ultimately pushing the U.S. government to declare war in 1812.

Other factors, such as territorial disputes with Native Americans, although significant in their own right, were more often consequences of the broader conflict with Britain rather than the primary driving force behind the war. French support for American independence, while relevant historically, was not a contributing factor to the War of 1812, as the hostilities were primarily between the United States and Britain. Issues related to slavery existed during this time but were not central to the