The event that sparked the War of 1812 was the British seizure of American ships and the impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy. Tensions had been escalating due to British interference with U.S. trade, restrictions imposed by the British Orders in Council, and the ongoing conflict between Britain and France. Moreover, incidents like the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair in 1807 heightened American outrage. On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Britain as a response to these grievances, officially igniting the War of 1812, which would last until 1815 and challenge U.S. sovereignty.