Final answer:
The War of 1812 was triggered by two main sets of international issues: the British impressment of American sailors and British support of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion in the Great Lakes. The backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars further escalated tensions, ultimately leading to the declaration of war by the United States against Great Britain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The War of 1812, often dubbed the Second War of American Independence, was precipitated by two major sets of international issues involving the United States.
Firstly, the British policy of impressment angered Americans, as their sailors were forcibly taken to serve on British warships, a matter left unresolved by Jay's Treaty of 1794.
Secondly, the British support of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion in the Great Lakes region posed significant challenges to the growth of the United States.
Despite President Jefferson's desire to steer clear of 'entangling alliances,' the reality of aggressions made neutrality a difficult stance to maintain, compelling the United States to enter into what would become known as the War of 1812.
These international struggles were exacerbated by the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, which saw both France and Britain attempting to restrict American trade with their enemy, thereby pulling the United States into their longstanding conflict.
The resulting tensions and acts of aggression against American sovereignty led President James Madison, inheriting these foreign policy troubles from Jefferson, to reluctantly affirm the declaration of war against Great Britain, initiating the conflict that would cement the United States' resolve and status as a nation separate from British rule.