This section allows you to get to the heart of the 1812 conflict. Explore the issues that led to the armed conflict which pitted a newly independent country against another’s expanding empire, while a host of indigenous nations caught between fought for their survival. From Royal Navy impressment on the high seas and the goading speeches of the War Hawks to charges of cowardice against senior commanders, use the information provided to judge for yourself who was right and who was wrong. Select "Historian's Perspective" to read the opinions of several experts we interviewed, or choose any of the three "General Issues" below to learn the background to these issues.