lecture 5

Introduction to James Madison

• James Madison is recognized as the fourth president of the United States.

Characterization of James Madison

• Described as a genius and known as the "father of the Constitution."

• Personality traits:

  • Introverted, prefers solitude over socializing.

  • Struggles with the public facets of the presidency.

Dolly Madison

• Madison's wife, Dolly, plays a crucial role in his political career.

• They are characterized as a couple who are opposites, with Dolly being more socially adept and influential.

  • Dolly is described as ‘scandalously’ dressed and unapologetic about her style.

• Actively works to garner support for her husband.

Madison's Presidency

• Key challenges faced upon taking office:

  • Repeal of the Embargo Act imposed by Jefferson, which harmed the economy.

  • Enactment of the Non-Intercourse Act:

  • Requires Congressional approval for trade deals; cannot be solely decided by the President.

• Expansion into the West:

  • American settlers encounter resistance from Native Americans.

  • Native Americans are responding violently to American encroachment.

Shifting Blame and the War Hawks

• Americans choose to blame England for the Native American attacks rather than accepting their responsibility for territorial expansion.

• War Hawks:

  • A group of young American men advocating for war against England to protect national honor.

  • Madison feels pressured to declare war despite the economic implications.

War of 1812

• The War Hawks force Madison into declaring war against England, known as the War of 1812.

  • Although unprepared, Madison's decision is influenced by calls for defending national honor.

  • Economic ties: England is a key trading partner, complicating the decision for war.

• Initial English focus on France:

  • English forces are initially occupied with fighting France, allowing the U.S. some breathing room.

Strategies and Key Events in War of 1812

• English strategy includes targeting Washington D.C.

  • Madison must consider how to protect himself and the White House from impending capture.

  • He opts for a strategic retreat to keep the presidency intact, leaving Dolly behind to manage the situation at the White House.

• Dolly's actions during the British attack:

  • She salvages important documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence, Constitution) while British forces invade.

  • British soldiers consume food and drink, celebrating by toasting to President Madison before setting fire to the White House as retaliation for the American invasion of Canada at the war's start.

Aftermath and Symbolism

• The burning of the White House serves to unite Americans in outrage against the British.

  • This collective anger mobilizes national resolve against the English.

Conclusion of the War

• Realization that the war has become pointless for both sides, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

• Key treaty points:

  • Status quo ante bellum: both sides return to pre-war conditions.

  • Effects of the war viewed favorably: America emerges with a sense of national pride despite not changing territorial status.

Hartford Convention

• A politically motivated event from the Federalists expressing dissent against the war.

  • Accused of treason, resulting in the decline of the Federalist party.

Battle of New Orleans and Andrew Jackson

• Andrew Jackson’s leadership during the Battle of New Orleans:

  • His background: a fierce hatred towards the British stemming from personal loss during the Revolutionary War.

  • Approached the battle unconventionally, breaking standard warfare rules by recruiting various groups, including pirates and Creoles.

  • Victory at the battle:

  • British: 2100 killed and wounded; American: 13 killed and 58 wounded.

  • Celebrated as a major victory, Jackson becomes a national hero.

Development of the Monroe Doctrine

• The Monroe Doctrine sets forth a significant policy direction post-war:

  • Europe to respect existing territories in North and South America and avoid expansion or war conditions.

  • Asserts American dominance in the hemisphere despite unclear enforcement capabilities.

Sectional Differences and Voting Rights

• Emergence of sectional divisions in America: North, South, and West influence perspectives on tariffs and economic policies.

  • Tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries but raise prices for consumers, causing discontent among Southerners and Westerners.

  • Voting Rights:

  • Originally restricted to landowning white males; later expanded to include non-property-holding white males.

  • The reaction to congressional salary raises leads to political backlash and removal of many sitting Congress members after the 1820 elections.

Formation of the Democratic Party

• Emergence of the Democratic Party as a representation of the interests of poorer white males.

• The 1824 election results:

  • Andrew Jackson runs as the first Democratic candidate but loses to John Quincy Adams amid controversial circumstances dubbed the "corrupt bargain."

John Quincy Adams’ Presidency

• Adams’ presidency characterized by perceived inefficiency and spending on unproductive ventures (e.g., telescopes).

• The administration faces growing discontent and criticism for lack of attention to pressing domestic needs.