History of the War of 1812

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James Madison was a close acquaintance and a political ally with Thomas Jefferson; the two often met frequently whenever they could. They’re personal relation and close friendship allowed Madison to be easily chosen as Jefferson’s successor. James Madison was viewed as being unfitted for leadership, but an analysis of his actions at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Speaker of the House, and as Secretary of State under Jefferson reveals otherwise. James Madison was Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of State and closest advisor during his presidency, this allowed Madison’s transition the White House to occur with ease. However, Madison was left with all undissolved issues from Jefferson’s term in office. This caused a majority of his two terms in office were spent dealing with the problems of the War of 1812. The War of put James Madison to the ultimate test. He had to prove himself by serving as commander-in-chief, leading the war with a military led by inexpert officers and aging War generals from past wars, and by convincing militia units, that were often unwilling to leave their home states, to fight. Congress was hesitant in raising an army and reluctant to find ways to fund it; however Madison less than hesitant and was disturbed by the fact that action wasn’t being taken. In a letter to Samuel Spring he wrote, “We all feel the weight of the times and it is to be regretted that all cannot unite in the measures opposed to them.” James Madison’s leadership and morals are reflected in his actions in pre-war foreign relations, handling the American populace and government as the nation was on the brink of war, and the actions who took to bring an end to the War of 1812.
As a gateway to the War of 1812, James Madison heavily dealt...

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...as President of the United States was founded upon the theory that others in authority, should all act with the intentions that would be essential to a republic. As biographer Ralph Ketcham explained, “His understanding of executive conduct did not require or even allow him singlehandedly to make up for the reluctance of the people to be ready to defend themselves, for the hesitations of the states to adopt forthright measures, for the ineffectiveness of other executive officers, or for the failure of Congress to authorize and pay for a sufficient war machine.” Despite the fact he was small in build and bereft of a strong speaking voice, Madison at the end of the day would get things don

Works Cited
"James Madison & the War of 1812." James Madison & the War of 1812. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.
"War of 1812." Welcome to Montpelier. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.

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