U.S. GOES TO WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN...AGAIN
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 18, 1812 the United States of America went to war with Great Britain. Sometimes referred to as the Second War for Independence, it is historically known as the War of 1812. Although the war began in 1812, it did not end until 1815.*
The
war between the two nations, located on opposite sides of the Atlantic
Ocean, began after a declaration of war was passed by Congress* and
signed by President James Madison on June 18, 1812.
The President sent a special message to Congress on June 1, 1812. It included these words...
"(Great Britain) violated the neutral rights of the United States. Her government has authorized illegal captures by its privateers and public ships. (This) will speedily enable Congress to decide on the course due to the rights, the interests, and the honor of our country."
*The vote in the House of Representatives was 79 to 49 in favor of war. This marked the 1st time the House exercised its constitutional power to declare war. The vote in the Senate was 19-13. Most Members from the South and West supported the war declaration while those from the Northeast opposed it.
SOURCE
"June 1, 1812: Special Message to Congress on the Foreign Policy Crisis--War Message," UVA/Miller Center, www.millercenter.org/
James Madison
Portrait by
John Vanderlyn (1816)
Blue Room
White House
Historical Association
