Notwithstanding all these causes for war it is quite probable that the government would not have declared hostilities the next year but for the revolution which took place in the Re publican party — the controlling party since 1801. This party had come into power as an uncompromising opponent of English influence in the country. It had, however, for its leader _ .
and founder a man who opposed war from principle — Jefferson. The old Republicans, coworkers with Jefferson, had become so op posed to war that they permitted themselves to be isolated. The events of 1811 taught the people a bolder policy. The antipathy for Eng land which pervaded the ranks of the party had outgrown peaceful embargoes and non importation laws; men thought again of the Revolution. They elected new representatives to Congress. The new Congress had a mem bership of 140; on its assembling more than 70 were found to be young and untried politicians. The most important of these new men were Henry Clay of and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. When Congress met the younger element evinced a war-like feeling quite unusual in that body. Clay was at once elected speaker of the House and with the aid of his friends he organized that branch of the legislature for the purpose of war. These
young leaders were vigorous nationalists; they thought of the Union as a great state; they looked to the future and had confidence in the Republic; they were imperialists who not only hoped to compel Europe to respect their flag but who aimed to conquer and annex Canada. They counted on using their strength to the utmost advantage against England because of the impending struggle with Napoleon. In this President Madison joined them. From Novem ber 1811 to the end of the session the new party exercised all its ability and ingenuity in per suading Congress and the country to prepare for hostilities. After long and weary debates and after many a compromise on army and naval matters, war was at last declared 18 June. The invasion of Canada had already be See TREATIES; INTERNATIONAL LAW; UNITED STATES — DIPLOMACY.
Bibliography.— Adams, H., 'History of the Administration of Jefferson and Madison' (rev. ed., 1909) : Hunt, G., 'Life of James Mad ison' (1902) ; McMaster, J. B., of the United States> (1883-1907) ; Mahan, A. T., Power in its Relation to the War of 1812) (2 vols. Boston 1905) ; Roosevelt, T., Naval War of 1812' (3d ed., 1883) ; Schouler, J., of the United States' (rev. ed., 1894-99).