The Causes Of The War Of 1812 AUTHOR Major W.W. Harney,USMC CSC
1989 SUBJECT AREA - History EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Title: The Causes
of the War of 1812 This paper studies the course of events that
led to the first war fought by our nation. It covers the
maritime, economic and political issues that most historians
consider to be the primary causes of the war. Briefly described
are the many complex relationships between the continents,
nations, regions, economies and political parties of the time.
We see that the Jefferson Administration allowed the nation's
military system to decline during his two terms. The paper shows
the results of acting from a position of weakness, using only
economic means to try to achieve national goals. Finally,
President Madison inherits the situation and finds his options
very limited. All of his efforts to avoid war fail as Congress
declares war on Britain in June of 1812. The lesson contained
within this study of a very complex and unusual war is very
timely. When many are calling for