On June 12, 1812, the United States declared war on Great as a result of numerous disputes between the two countries. The British continuously engaged in impressment and forced US citizens to serve in the Royal Navy. The British also attacked the USS Chesapeake and this nearly caused a war two year earlier. Additionally, disputes continued with Great Britain over the Northwest Territories and the border with Canada. Finally, Great Britain's blockade of France during the Napoleonic Wars served as a constant source of conflict with the United States.
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At the dawn of 1812 the United States was heading inexorably towards war. The United States had a list of complaints against the British; from the continued impressment of its sailors, the seizing of its ships, and the belief the British were fomenting Indian rebellions on the Northwest frontier. All of these were sufficient reasons to go to war. In addition, there was always a contingent of colonists who wanted to attempt to conquer Canada.
The problem was that the United States Army and Navy were not up to the task of fighting the British. At the start of 1812 the US Army had only 4,000 officers and men. At that same time the Navy consisted of five frigates, three sloops and seven brigs. However, Britain was engaged in a World War with France under Napoleon. As a result British forces were stretched rather thin.
