On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812. Motivated by issues including trade restrictions brought about by Britain’s ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, and conflicts over territory in North America, this war challenged the young nation’s sovereignty and military strength. Although the war concluded in 1815 without territorial changes, it instilled a greater sense of national identity and paved the way for westward expansion in the United States.
