In 1812 the United States had grown to seventeen states but remained rather fragile in terms of its position as a free nation. In Europe, war raged on as the British and their continental allies continued to fight against the forces of Napoleon. While this seemingly endless warfare was occurring, America had its own grievances against its former colonial masters. In the years leading up to what was to become the War of 1812, issues of commerce, free trade, and the impressment of sailors serving on American ships by the British all inflamed public opinion.