The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, primarily fought over British practices like the impressment of American sailors and restrictions on American trade, leading the US to declare war on Britain in 1812; despite several battles on land and sea, the war ultimately ended in a stalemate with the Treaty of Ghent, leaving no significant territorial changes but solidifying American national identity and demonstrating its ability to stand against a major power like Britain.