Why did the us declare war in 1812?

Answer 1

American politicians were upset that the British, locked into a war against Napoleon, were stopping American ships bound for France, and seizing US sailors. They were also annoyed that Britain was supporting native efforts to protect their homeland from encroachment by US settlers by trading with the natives.

The politicians known as the War Hawks also felt that by using those issues as a pretext to declare war, the US could forcibly annex Canada, something Thomas Jefferson called "merely a matter of marching."

The seven New England states, by the way, were so appalled by the idea that they formally discussed seceding from the Union, a discussion that continued until the war ended.

Answer 2

American politicians were upset that the British, locked into a war against Napoleon, were stopping American ships bound for France, and seizing US sailors. They were also annoyed that Britain was supporting native efforts to protect their homeland from encroachment by US settlers by trading with the natives.

The politicians known as the War Hawks also felt that by using those issues as a pretext to declare war, the US could forcibly annex Canada, something Thomas Jefferson called "merely a matter of marching."

The seven New England states, by the way, were so appalled by the idea that they formally discussed seceding from the Union, a discussion that continued until the war ended.