“The War of 1812 was caused by US expansionism and not by disputes over maritime rights.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement by determining whether US expansionism or disputes over maritime rights were most responsible for causing the War of 1812. Candidates may agree, partially agree or disagree with the statement, but their opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence and sound argument. Candidates may argue that the desire to seize additional land was the most important reason as it would help satisfy the prevailing hunger for land and expansion in the United States and eliminate the British presence in Canada. The issue of maritime rights was an important issue not only in itself but as a matter of American honour and its recognition as a sovereign state. British interference with US trade with Europe was a serious matter, as was British use of force to recover its seamen from American ships (even though many of them were naturalized US citizens).