War of 1812
President Madison did not possess Jefferson's skill at keeping the United States out of war but it was clear by popular opinion in the South and West the war was inevitable. Madison realized that the country was poorly prepared. The United States army maintained week and the scattered army and navy was insignificant to that of Britain's. There was a not one single causes for war but several related cause.In June of 1812 the United States declared war on Britain. This declaration of war was the result of almost thirty years of tension between the two nations. It both surprised the British and upset the many Americans who saw it as a foolish choice to go to war. President Madison narrowly won reelection against Federalist candidate Dewitt Clinton, the governor of New York State.± (Document 8) The United States had deliberately avoided war for so long that when they abandoned the peaceful policy it was very unexpected. The Americans that were skeptical about the nation going to war had r
This threat to British sea power was more than they could tolerate and this resulted in their warships searching American vessels and removing British fugitives. It also involved the right of any British officer to make an on the spot decision concerning a mans nationality. The country was young and untested by war. if you go to war it will not be for the protection of maritime rights. This sudden stoppage of trade affected the united sates as it affected other countries engaged in trading. ± (Document 3) The British carried out most of these practiced in the 1790's during the first period of war between Britain and France. However, because American ships were considerably subjected to French arbitrary treatment, they still traded with the French, even though the British disagreed with this action. However, they enforced them much more often after the renewed hostilities in 1803. These same officers were in charge of keeping their ships manned. Because of this, the British felt that they had to take measures, which would stop the Americans from trading with the French. Neither could claim sovereignty, which caused the problem. As you can see there was not one but several causes for the war for which many would say was inevitable. British claimed no right to search American vessels in territorial waters of the United States.
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