The War of 1812The War of 1812, supposedly fought over neutral trade rights, was a very peculiar conflict indeed. Britain's trade restrictions, a major cause, were removed two days before the war began; the inhabitants of New England, for whom the war was supposed to have been fought, objected; the most decisive battle, at New Orleans, was fought after the war ended. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain and France had disrupted U.S. shipping, confiscated American goods, brought U.S. sailors into the British navy, and both sides blockaded each other's ports. This caused great annoyance to American traders, and especially the kidnapping of American sailors by Great Britain caused great uproar and indignation at home. Many called for war, although it is interesting to note that it was the Southerners and Westerners, the so-called war hawks led by Clay and Calhoun, who supported the war and were least affected by Britain's actions. Some historians attribute this to their desire to conquer British Canada and Spanish Florida during the war. The Republican administration, traditionally favorable to France, finally declared war on Great Britain in 1812, ironically two days after Great Britain had lifted the trade embargo. no mention of neutral rights. The treaty gave neither...