What was the primary cause of the War of 1812?

The primary cause of the War of 1812 was maritime disputes and trade restrictions with Britain. During this period, the United States found itself increasingly at odds with Great Britain due to a series of aggressive trade policies. The British navy imposed blockades and interfered with American shipping, which severely hampered trade and threatened the young nation's economy. Additionally, the British practice of impressment, where American sailors were forced into service for the British navy, heightened tensions and resentment among Americans.

These maritime disputes were further exacerbated by Britain's ongoing conflict with France, where they implemented trade restrictions that also affected American merchants. The combination of these factors created a climate of hostility and culminated in the U.S. declaring war on Britain in 1812. The desire to assert American sovereignty on the high seas and protect its commercial interests was a central motivator for the war, making it clear that maritime issues were at the heart of the conflict.

While there were certainly elements of territorial expansion and a variety of other tensions at play, they were secondary to the immediate grievances surrounding Britain's maritime policies.