JAMES MADISON AND THE SECOND WAR for INDEPENDENCE

1. JAMES MADISON AND THE SECOND WAR for INDEPENDENCE

2. Election of 1808 • James Madison was nominated by a congressional caucus with the support of Jefferson • The “Old South” republicans nominated James Monroe – he withdrew • The Eastern Republicans – angered by the Embargo Act- nominated George Clinton • Federalist chose Charles Pickney- rec’d 47 votes • Madison rec’d 122 electoral votes • Clinton would be vice-president with 113 votes

3. Madison’s Presidencycontinued Commercial Warfare • inherited from Jefferson a deeply troubled Presidency in a dangerous world • Attempt a combination of diplomacy and economic pressure to deal with the Napoleonic wars • unlike Jefferson, consented to take the U.S. to war.

4. Macon’s Bill No. 2 • Introduced by Nathaniel Macon – chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in 1810 • Authorized the president to reopen trade with Britain and France • However, in the event that if either nation formally agreed to respect U.S. neutral rights at sea, then the U.S. would prohibit trade with that nation’s foe.

5. Napoleon’s Deception • Upon hearing of Congress’ action, Napoleon announced his intention of revoking the decrees that had violated U.S. neutral rights • Madison carried out Macon’s Bill No. 2 embargoing trade with Britain in 1811 • Napoleon continued to seize American ships despite the emperor’s pledge to U.S.

6. Bank Debate • Charter on the U.S. Bank was due to expire March 4, 1811 • Congressional consideration postponed due to foreign affairs • Opposed to renewal – “Old Republicans” • Viewed the bank as the last survival of the Federalist power – denounced on constitutional grounds • 2/3 of the stock was owned by Britons – renewal would aid the enemy • Failure to recharter the bank deprived the government of urgently needed financial resources during the War of 1812

7. Tecumseh • Shawnee warrior chief • Organized a defensive tribal confederacy by uniting all tribes east of the Mississippi to resist the westward sweep of white settlement • British governor of Canada, as well as fur traders backed him and his twin brother “the Prophet” a religious leader

8. Battle of Tippecanoe • Settlers of the Indiana territory became fearful and urged General William Henry Harrison to take aggressive action • Harrison lead a force of 1,000 men and destroyed the Shawnee village on Tippecanoe creek • Americans blamed the British for instigating the rebellion

9. William Henry Harrison • Harrison was successful in putting an end to Tecumseh’s efforts to form an Indian Confederacy • First governor of the territory of Indiana – appointed by John Adams • Held the rank of Major General during the War of 1812- defeated the British in the Battle of the Thames

10. War hawks Henry Clay • New young Republicans from frontier states and the south – advocated nationalism and expansionism • Eager for war with Britain to defend American honor and gain Canada • Viewed maritime seizure and impressment as outrages on national rights and honor John C. Calhoun

11. War Preparations • April 1812 – Moderate Republicans in the Senate voted to extend the Embargo for 90 days to prolong negotiations with Great Britain • President Madison calls up 100,000 militia for 6 months service • While Madison called for a declaration of war at the end of May – Across the Atlantic Britain suspended the orders in council June 16th • Unaware of the British concession – Congress moved for war June 18th

12. Declaration of War on Great Britain Madison’s message to Congress June 1st – 4 major grounds for war • impressment of American seamen • violation of U.S neutrality • blockade of U.S. ports • refusal to revoke the orders in council

13. U.S. Advantages Great Britain has limited resources Advantage of proximity U.S. population greater than that of Canada – chief target U.S. Navy manned by efficient and well-trained officers and crews U.S. Disadvantages Small army composed of volunteers Lack of united support –New England (Mr. Madison’s War) Lack of a national bank The Balance Sheet

14. Election of 1812 – A Divided Nation • Madison wins re-election • Republican strength in the South and West overcame Federalist and antiwar Republicans opposition to war in the North

16. Francis Scott Key • Prisoner on a British ship – watched as the city of Baltimore fought the British

17. Treaty of Ghent • Failed to settle the issues that led to war • Mutual agreement to give certain goals • Americans yielded on impressment – gave up claims to Canada • British agreed to stop aiding Indians • Commisioned formed to settle the boundary dispute between US and Canada

18. General Andrew Jackson • Battle of New Orleans Large British army landed in Louisiana which was met by General Jackson’s militia Jackson’s forces dramatically carried the day Most glorious victory for the US – two weeks earlier the British and US had negotiated peace

19. Federalist delegates from five New England states meet and air discontent with the war and Madison's administration; it was suspected that they were plotting to secede. Brother Mass., Brother Conn. and little Rhode are reluctant to jump, but the radical Timothy Pickering urges action. King George/John Bull watches the proceedings with interest and offers encouragement and inducements. Hartford Convention: Leap or No Leap