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The War of 1812 was a conflict between America and Britain that started in 1812 and continued until 1815. The conflict arose supposedly over disputes over trade, the Canadian border and general antagonism, but in reality was an American aggression with a view to gaining territories in Canada and Florida.
The United States claimed that for many years prior to the breaking out of the War of 1812 the British Government had claimed the right of stopping and searching-American vessels, and impressing into the British service British seamen who happened to be serving under the American flag. Great Britain refused to allow the right of expatriation and change of allegiance by naturalization, She was then engaged in war with France and accordingly claimed the services of all her maritime citizens, no matter what ceremonies of naturalization they might have undergone abroad. Hence many American sailors were wilfully impressed. This grievance aided in a large measure in bringing about the embargo system and the War of 1812.
The war commenced with a formal American declaration of war against Britain. During the war an American invasion of Canada in 1812 failed and in 1814 a British force sacked Washington DC forcing the American president to flee. The war saw several indecisive naval engagements. The war ended with both sides agreeing to relinquish captured territory and appoint a commission to settle the Canadian boundary. After a peace treaty had been signed, the Americans treacherously attacked the British at New Orleans.
 Research War Of 1812
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Abbreviations
Warfare
