Which of the following was NOT a cause of the War of 1812?

The correct choice identifies that the abolition of slavery was not a cause of the War of 1812. The primary causes of the War of 1812 revolved around issues directly affecting trade, maritime rights, and territorial ambitions.

Free trade and sailors' rights were crucial factors leading to the outbreak of the war, as the United States sought to protect its neutral trading rights against British interference and impressment of American sailors. Territorial expansion concerns, particularly regarding British-held territories in North America, fueled American desires to assert control and push westward.

In contrast, the issue of slavery was not a driving force in the decision to go to war. During this time period, slavery was a complex social issue in the United States but was not framed as a central concern in the context of the conflict with Britain. Therefore, identifying abolition of slavery as unrelated to the causes of the War of 1812 is accurate.