The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Britain. Many factors influenced Americans to go to war. They hoped to expand the United States by seizing control of Canada and Florida. Three critical factors that helped Americans decide to go to war were the embargo policies, impressments, and the expansionist goal of the War Hawks. Americans saw the War of 1812 as an opportunity to defend their freedom and honor.
             The United States declared war on June 12, 1812. The battle was declared as a result of many disputes with Great Britain. Impressment was a critical factor that influenced Americans to go to war. In 1806, American trade was prohibited. If American ships obeyed British regulations, they would be seized by Britain and France. British seizures were humiliating to Americans because they were much more potent than France. The British added impressment to these incitements. The Royal Navy seized British civilians and forced them into service. They also took suspicious Royal Navy deserters from American merchant ships. Impressment was upsetting to American pride. Between 1803 and 1812, six thousand Americans were impressed. Although impressment did minor damage to the American economy than the seizure of ships, it was more offensive.
             The Embargo policies were another factor that influenced America's decision to go to war. The Embargo Act prohibited vessels from leaving American ports for foreign ports. Its effect was to stop imports as well as exports. As a result, Jefferson restricted French and British trade with the United States to pressure both nations into respecting American neutrality. Because of the Embargo Act, many American seamen were out of work. Merchants went bankrupt, and jails were filled with criminals. Since Americans could not export or sell their produce, they became into debt. The only thing Americans could do was to make products. This made Americans angry and want to rebel against Britain...