Question: what was the rationale behind the american invasion of canada

title: War of 1812
text: American expansion into the Northwest Territory was being obstructed by various Indian tribes since the end of the Revolution , who were supplied and encouraged by the British . Americans on the western frontier demanded that interference be stopped . There is dispute , however , over whether or not the American desire to annex Canada brought on the war . Several historians believe that the capture of Canada was intended only as a means to secure a bargaining chip , which would then be used to force Britain to back down on the maritime issues . It would also cut off food supplies for Britain 's West Indian colonies , and temporarily prevent the British from continuing to arm the Indians . However , many historians believe that a desire to annex Canada was a cause of the war . This view was more prevalent before 1940 , but remains widely held today . Congressman Richard Mentor Johnson told Congress that the constant Indian atrocities along the Wabash River in Indiana were enabled by supplies from Canada and were proof that `` the war has already commenced ... I shall never die contented until I see England 's expulsion from North America and her territories incorporated into the United States . '' James 

Answer: answer: There is dispute over whether or not the American desire to annex Canada brought on the war . Several historians believe that the capture of Canada was intended only as a means to secure a bargaining chip , which would then be used to force Britain to back down on the maritime issues . However , many historians believe that a desire to annex Canada was a cause of the war .