What were the key issues that led to the War of 1812?

There were several arguments that were made for going to
war with Great Britain in 1812. First there were those who hoped to gain new territory
from a war with Britain.  They felt the U.S. could acquire Canada, and its lucrative fur
trade, through a war with Britain.  In addition, some hoped to gain Spanish Florida in a
war with Britain because Spain was allied with
Britain. 

Another argument for war was the impressment of
American sailors into the British navy; that is, the British were kidnapping American
sailors and forcing them to serve in the British
navy. 

Another argument dealt with the fact that American
ships were being seized by the British.  The British and French were at war and the
British were capturing American ships headed towards
France.

Others felt that war with Britain would end the
troubles Americans were having with Indians on the frontier.  Many felt that the British
were arming and inciting the Native American Indians to attack American
settlers.

Finally, some argued that war was necessary to
maintain American sovereignty and to restore national honor, both of which had been
attacked by the British actions on the high seas and on the American
frontier.