The primary cause of the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain was ongoing maritime disputes, particularly the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy and trade restrictions affecting American commerce. Tensions grew as Britain sought to assert its dominance on the seas, interfering with U.S. shipping and maintaining trade embargoes against France during the Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, many Americans felt a sense of national pride and desired to assert their sovereignty against British influence. As a result, the United States declared war on Britain in June 1812, marking a significant conflict that would shape national identity and relations with foreign powers.