The War of 1812 Causes of the War

One historian, Julius W. Platt, believes that the radical expansionism and the belief that Candada would inevitably be annexed to the United States was a major cause in the late eighteenth century early ninteenth. Another primary cause of the war was the rise of Tecumseh, believed to be backed by the British, caused an urgency for the Americans to expell the British from Cananda. The War Hawks, the congress at the time of Madison's presidency, were pushing for the invasion of Canada, and an attack upon the savages who had been tormenting homes on the frontier. Madison never really expexted or desired the annexation of Canada, nor did his colegue Monroe (Secretary of State). He was more or less pushed into the decision.

Historian Norman K. Risjord discusses materialistic and economic reasons for the war. The irony of this is that upon analyzation of the War of 1812, it is found to be one of most uneconomical wars in the history of America. The Twelfth Congress, also known as the War Hawks were quite land hungry, lead by Henry Clay they pushed for war with Indians as well as Britain. The desire for land, Canadian or Indian, fear of a British-backed Indian conspiracy, concern over the declinging prices of agiricultural products and the restrictions of markets abroad all have been beleived to have been basic causes of the war.

When asked about his reasoning for the push for war, speaker of the House Henry Clay would answer "what are we not to lose by peace?". His rationalizations had to do with this mentallity that they would lose their countries character, commerce, and a nations best treasure if they didn't go to war. He believed that what they had to gain was reduced revenue, to nearly ten million dollars. Clay could also not ignore the impressement of American sailors by British fleets, this was another driving force. Henry Clay assumed a leading role in the war against Britain. He then affected President Madison's decision about the war, and more or less pushed Madison from being indifferent, to declaring war. Clay saw the British as an intrusive and unwanted force that was trampling on the feet and violating the rights of countrymen.

The offenses commited against the United States by Britain were the major provocations for the war. Reasons other than vindication can be reguarded as rationalization. There was an obvious anger for what the British had done to America, and many Americans merely wanted revenge, but the war was much more than that. This"Second War of Independence" perhaps changed American history as we know it.