JAMES MADISON AND THE SECOND WAR for

INDEPENDENCE

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

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.

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.

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.

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 enemyFailure to recharter the bank deprived the government of urgently needed financial resources during the War of 1812

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

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

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

War hawks

• 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

Henry Clay

John C. Calhoun

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

Declaration of War on Great Britain

Madison’s message to Congress June 1st – 4 major grounds for war

1. impressment of American seamen2. violation of U.S neutrality3. blockade of U.S. ports4. refusal to revoke the orders in

council

                            

   

The Balance Sheet• 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

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

Francis Scott Key

• Prisoner on a British ship – watched as the city of Baltimore fought the British

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

General Andrew Jackson• Battle of New OrleansLarge 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

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