What was a key cause of the War of 1812?

The key cause of the War of 1812 was the British restrictions on American trade and the impressment of American sailors. During this period, Britain was engaged in a conflict with France and imposed trade restrictions that severely limited American shipping and commerce. This angler with their economic interests led to significant frustration among Americans.

Moreover, the British practice of impressment, which involved forcibly recruiting American sailors into the British Royal Navy, further fueled animosity. American citizens viewed this as a violation of their sovereignty and rights, creating widespread outrage. These factors combined created a volatile environment that contributed significantly to the outbreak of the War of 1812, as the United States sought to assert its rights and independence against British interference.

The other options are relevant to the broader context of tensions between the United States and Britain during the early 19th century, but they do not encapsulate the immediate catalysts for the war as effectively as the trade restrictions and impressment of sailors did.