in us history, the war of 1812 is the most obscure conflict. the average american remembers very little about the war. some may remember the star spangled banner, the burning of washington, or the battle of new orleans. otherwise, it is a little-understood conflict. the issues are complex. most scholars would agree it was fought over maritime issues. since the british navy was then the most powerful in the world, it was easier to attack the british on land by invading canada. former us president thomas jefferson predicted the "acquisition of canada, will be a mere matter of marching."