What was the main cause of the War of 1812?

The primary cause of the War of 1812 was British interference with American shipping. During this period, Britain was engaged in prolonged conflict with France, and as a result, the British navy imposed restrictions on American trade and seized American ships under the pretext of searching for British deserters. These actions not only harmed the economic interests of the United States but also provoked widespread public outrage and calls for war.

Additionally, the British practice of impressment, which involved forcibly enlisting American sailors into the British Navy, further inflamed tensions. The combination of interference with trade and the violation of American sovereignty through impressment created a substantial desire among many Americans to assert their rights and independence, which made conflict increasingly likely.

While territorial disputes with Spain, economic competition with France, and the desire for westward expansion were relevant aspects of the geopolitical landscape, they did not directly precipitate the War of 1812 in the same way that British actions against American shipping did. Thus, British interference was the central factor that galvanized American sentiment toward war.