Decision for War
When reports surfaced that the British had supplied arms to the Shawnee tribe, war fever swept through the western regions. This added fuel to the fires of hostility already burning toward the British for their continuing insult to Americans on the high seas. The elections in 1810, moreover, sent a young group of Republicans to Congress from the western and southern states. Among their ranks were Henry Clay of Kentucky, the new speaker of the House, and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. These War Hawk nationalists thirsted for aggressive action to preserve American honor and expand opportunity for America's white male population.
Yielding to pressure from the War Hawks, Madison abandoned the policy of economic coercion in the summer of 1812. On June 1, he asked Congress for a declaration of war against Great Britain. Congress voted for war two weeks later. Northeastern Federalist opposed war with their closest trading ally. The Federalists gathered at the Hartford Convention to discuss succeeding from the United States.
What effect did the War of 1812 have on Madison's presidency? What this video to learn more.
Video: James Madison and the War of 1812
Click the image to watch James Madison and the War of 1812
WebQuest: War of 1812
 |
Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History web site to view the exhibit "The Price of Freedom: Americans at War" and select the “War of 1812” box. Examine the information in the web exhibit and then answer the questions below: |
- Why did the United States go to war against Great Britain in 1812?
- What was the significance of the British attack on Fort McHenry?
- What happened in the last major battle of the war?
- How did the British almost thwart Andrew Jackson's plan to defend New Orleans?
- What did General Jackson wear and carry while commanding American forces during the war?
War of 1812
The Battle of New Orleans proved to be one of the most decisive battles in world history as the Americans routed the British. Ironically, the battle occurred two weeks after the war officially ended. Negotiators from both sides signed the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814. The treaty merely ended the fighting without addressing the issues that led to the war. British troops at New Orleans were unaware a treaty had been signed when they launched their ill-fated assault in early January 1815.
