The War of 1812 was a conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain. In the years prior to the outbreak of the war, the Royal British Army had enforced a naval blockade against France as a result of the Napoleonic Wars. Neutral merchants, including Americans, were prevented to engage in trade with their French counterparts. After a series of events that rose tension between Great Britain and the United States, the former decided to declare war. This set a historic precedent, as the newly formed country of the United States, understood the heavy importance of foreign affairs and the need to protect the countries interests overseas.