Causes of the War of 1812. At the outset of the 19th century, Great Britain was locked in a long and bitter conflict with Napoleon Bonaparte's France. In an attempt to cut off supplies from reaching the enemy, both sides attempted to block the United States from trading with the other.
June 18, 1812–February 17, 1815, conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain over British violations of U.S. maritime rights. It ended with the exchange of ratification of the Treaty of Ghent.
