ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the key arguments that have been presented for explaining why the United States decided to fight the War of 1812. It discusses the current state of the debate on why this conflict occurred and investigates the motivations that have been put forward as drivers of this conflict. This debate encompasses the strategic motivations, economic factors as well as the concept of free trade and sailors' rights. The chapter contends that these factors were important in the United States' declaration of war Wilsonian factors were an active and important consideration as well. It demonstrates the concept that Wilsonian factors are important, even before Woodrow Wilson became president and that the concept of seeking an international system based on the rule of law and founded on democratic governments was an active driver of the foreign relations of the United States, from the formation of the republic.
