What was the primary cause of the War of 1812?

The primary cause of the War of 1812 was indeed maritime conflicts and trade restrictions imposed by Britain. During the early 19th century, the United States faced significant challenges with British naval practices, including impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy and restrictions on American trade with other nations, particularly during Britain's ongoing war with France. These actions were viewed as direct violations of American sovereignty and economic rights, leading to widespread frustration among American citizens and policymakers.

The British Orders in Council restricted American ships from trading with France, and any ship that defied these regulations faced seizure. The issue of impressment further inflamed tensions, as many American sailors were forcibly recruited by the British, contributing to a sense of national indignation.

While expansion of American territory and disputes over land boundaries were factors in the wider context of early 19th-century tensions, the immediate trigger for the declaration of war in 1812 was rooted in the desire to assert American sovereignty in the face of British maritime aggression. Economic competition with France was also significant but was primarily a backdrop to the more pressing maritime issues directly facing American trade and naval power.