Introduction
The history of the United States encompasses many conflicts, either civil or international, which are worth analyzing. Among such conflicts was the War of 1812, an armed dispute between the U.S. and Great Britain that continued from 1812 to 1815 (Shi 238). Although there was a faction opposed to the war, it continued because of its underlying causes, including economic problems, the British impressions of American sailors, and support for Native Americans in frontier areas.
Causes of the War of 1812
First, the nations’ complicated geopolitical and economic conflicts led to the start of the war—British trade restrictions on the U.S. hurt American farmers and merchants (USS Constitution Museum). The American sailors’ fascination with the British was another factor in the outbreak of the conflict. Due to a lack of seamen, the British navy forced American sailors out of American ships and into the British fleet (USS Constitution Museum). This practice, which was perceived as an infringement on American sovereignty, added to the rising hostilities between the two countries (Shi 238).
Finally, the Americans saw the British backing for Native American tribes in the frontier as directly threatening their plans to expand their territory. Great Britain provided the Native Americans with weapons, repelling American attempts to establish a presence on their territory (Wagner 56). The Federalists, who resisted the War of 1812, expressed concern about how the conflict would impact trade and the economy (Wagner 56). Therefore, while the war had solid causes, there was still opposition.
Conclusion
Therefore, despite opposition from a segment of the population, the War of 1812 proceeded due to persistent factors such as British interference with American sailors, aid for Native Americans in frontier regions, and ongoing economic disputes. Longstanding territorial and commercial tensions between the United States and Britain fueled the war. Additionally, American sailors’ interest in the British contributed to the conflict’s onset. Federalists, who resisted the war, expressed worries about its potential effects on trade and the economy.
Works Cited
USS Constitution Museum. “War of 1812.” Web.
Shi, David E. America: The Essential Learning Edition.W. W. Norton, 2018.
Wagner, Wolfgang. The Democratic Politics of Military Interventions: Political Parties, Contestation, and Decisions to Use Force Abroad. Oxford University Press, 2020.