Final answer:
The United States declared war against Britain instead of France due to Britain's entanglement in the Napoleonic Wars, its limited military resources, and the British government's lack of desire for war with America.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision of the United States to declare war against Britain instead of France was influenced by several strategic considerations. Firstly, Britain's extensive involvement in the Napoleonic Wars meant that a substantial part of its military was already engaged in conflict with Napoleon, rendering it less able to focus its complete military force on the United States. The constraints imposed by this ongoing global conflict played a pivotal role in shaping British priorities.
Moreover, the British government, at least initially, did not harbor a desire for war with the United States. Their actions at sea, often seen as provocative by the Americans, were primarily motivated by the necessities of naval operations rather than a deliberate intent to engage in hostilities. These circumstances, shaped by the broader context of the Napoleonic Wars and British naval imperatives, contributed to the United States opting to declare war against Britain rather than France.