Cause: One significant cause of the War of 1812 was the ongoing tensions between the United States and Britain, particularly over trade restrictions. Britain implemented a series of naval blockades and restrictions on American shipping, disrupting trade and harming the U.S. economy. Additionally, the British were accused of impressing American sailors into the Royal Navy and supporting Native American resistance against American expansion in the West.
Effect: One major effect of the War of 1812 was the surge of nationalism that emerged in the United States. The war fostered a sense of unity and identity among Americans, particularly after the successful defense of key locations, such as Fort McHenry, and the eventual victory at the Battle of New Orleans. This newfound nationalism helped pave the way for a period known as the "Era of Good Feelings," characterized by political unity and economic expansion in the following years.