The primary cause of the War of 1812 was a combination of factors, including ongoing British impressment of American sailors, trade restrictions imposed by Britain, and the desire for expansionist policies in North America. The U.S. was frustrated with British interference in its maritime rights and their support for Native American resistance against American westward expansion. These tensions culminated in the U.S. declaring war on Britain in June 1812, leading to a conflict that pitted the emerging nation against a major global power. The war also reflected issues of national sovereignty and identity in a post-Revolutionary War context.