Madison and the War of 1812

Madison and the War of 1812 Libertyville High School

James Madison • Virginian planter • Follower of Jefferson • Wrote some of the Federalist Papers • “Father of Constitution” • Married Dolly (17 yrs younger), 1794 – she created the role of First Lady Dolly Madison Madison, as President

“Father of Constitution” & Bill of Rights • Wrote Virginia Plan • Came up with three branch government form • Wrote Bill of Rights • Wanted it part of Constitution, not separate • Wanted it to apply to states, too (14th , 15th Amendments) Madison’s notes from Constitutional convention

From F to D-R • Madison very much opposed to European style government (strong Exec, army) • Leader of opposition against Hamilton’s Bank (strict interp) • Worked w/ Jefferson to organize D-R Party First US Bank, Philadelphia

President Madison & the Bank • Elected in 1808 • Allowed Bank of US to expire in 1811 (20 years after founding) • During War of 1812, quickly realized how hard it was to fight war without money • 1815 – asked Congress for new bank $1 gold coin, minted 2007

Madison: Sliding to War • Madison tried to avoid war w/ Britain by repealing Non-Intercourse Acts • British, French continued to harass US shipping • Madison’s conflicts with “war hawks” Political cartoon on repeal

“Warhawks” • Younger D-Rs from Western, Southern states (KY, TN, OH & NW Territories) • Too young to fight in Rev. War • Desired war against Britain (insults to national pride, etc) • Most important WHs: Speaker of House Clay, John Calhoun Henry Clay John C. Calhoun

War of 1812 • Madison built public support for war • But not enough money spent preparing for war (army, navy, forts, militias) • US declared war on June 12, 1812 • “Mr. Madison’s War” • “Second War of Independence”

War of 1812 • Causes of War • Impressment of Americans • American Resentment Against British • British Support of Native Americans Against American Frontier • American Desire for Canada, Florida

Election of 1812 • Madison challenged by a D-R, DeWitt Clinton, who switched parties, over the War of 1812 • Federalists supported Clinton • Clinton ran as anti-war in NE, pro-war in South, West • Closer election than in 1808 Madison: 128 ECV Clinton: 89 ECV Popular Vote: Madison: 50.4% Clinton: 47.6%

War of 1812: Federalist Opposition • Federalists opposed to war, esp. in New England • Engaged in smuggling w/ Canada • Refused to support troops • Hartford Convention, Dec. 1814 • Minority power to nullify federal laws when deemed to be unconstitutional • Secession of New England seriously debated • End of war = end of Federalist Party

Treaty of Ghent, 1815 • Exchanged POWs • Established commissions to work on disputed issues • Trade • Fishing • Rush-Bagot Agreement (1818) • Treaty Line of 1818 • All lands captured by British, US returned to previous owners • Peace! Signing of the Treaty of Ghent

War of 1812: Fun Facts • Commodore Oliver Perry • Battle of Lake Erie, 1813 (saved Ohio Valley, opened Canada to invasion) • “We have met the enemy…” • Francis Scott Key & the Star Spangled Banner • Prisoner exchange late in war • British bombardment of Fort McHenry, outside Baltimore Key, from the British ship

War of 1812: Fun Facts • Battle of New Orleans (Jan, 1815) • News travels slowly… • Andrew Jackson, US Commander • Battle: British are mauled • Jackson becomes national hero

1815: Turning Point in US History • Upsurge in nationalism • Upsurge in industrialization • Upsurge in western settlement • National attention focused on internal development

Madison and the War of 1812