Much of President Madison's time in office was spent on foreign affairs. Jefferson had left the presidency with an unsolved situation between the United States, France, and Great Britain, which led America into war against Britain in 1812. In the end, however, Madison's goal was to follow the strictures of the Constitution. It is fascinating to look at how he dealt with constitutional issues since he was the primary author of the document.

Foreign Relations

The Embargo Act passed during Jefferson's administration to fight French and British shipping abuses was in effect until it was replaced by the Non-Intercourse Act of 1809. Madison attempted to enforce this act, which allowed the United States to trade with all nations except France and Great Britain. Madison extended the offer to either nation that if they would protect America's shipping rights then they would be allowed to trade. This did not have much effect.

In 1810, Macon's Bill No. 2 repealed the Non-Intercourse Act. This bill provided that whichever nation would stop attacking American ships would be favored. The United States, in turn, would agree to stop trading with the other nation. France agreed and Britain continued its practice of impressment.

War of 1812

When Great Britain failed to stop harassing American ships and impressing soldiers, Madison went to Congress to ask for a declaration of war. Even though support for the war was not unanimous, there were enough votes to agree and thus began the War of 1812.

America struggled at the beginning of the war. General William Hull attempted to invade Canada but instead ended up surrendering Detroit without a fight. However, the U.S. Navy had much more success and began defeating British ships. On September 13, 1813, Commodore Perry led the defeat of the British Navy on Lake Erie and delivered his ringing message, “We have met the enemy and they are ours.”

The British, however, were able to march on Washington and burn the White House. American troops stopped them later on their way to Baltimore.

By 1814, the United States and Great Britain decided to end the war with the Treaty of Ghent. This treaty essentially ended the war in a stalemate with no changes to previous policies, and with none of the prewar issues resolved. However, the war is often called the “Second War of Independence” because it marked the end of economic dependence on Great Britain.