What was the impressment and how did it hemp cause the War of 1812?

Impressment was the British practice of forcibly recruiting American sailors into the Royal Navy, often claiming they were British deserters. This violation of American sovereignty and the rights of its citizens fueled resentment and tensions between the United States and Britain. Alongside other grievances, such as trade restrictions and British support for Native American resistance against American expansion, impressment played a significant role in escalating conflicts that ultimately led to the War of 1812. The U.S. viewed these actions as an affront to national honor, prompting calls for war.