Ryan+S.+-+Jmad+-+SP10

//March 16, 1751 - June 28, 1836 Democratic-Republican Presidential Terms: March 4, 1809 - March 4, 1817 (2 terms) Vice President: George Clinton VP Term: 1809 - 1812// //Vice President: Elbridge Gerry VP Term: 1813 - 1814 (No VP from 1812 - 1813 and 1814 - 1817)//
 * James Madison**

James Madison entered the Oval Office at a difficult time. Even with the threat of a second war with Britain brewing and the vast amount of international conflicts, Madison kept his composure throughout his two terms in office. He made a few blunders during his presidency, such as the dismantlement of the Federal Bank, but he often redeemed himself. For his actions in office, James Madison deserves a B+.

America's primary issue in the early 1800's was foreign affairs. The majority of the problems were spawned from Britain's continued bitterness toward the states. Madison's main goal upon entering the presidency was dealing with these conflicts. During Jefferson's presidency the Embargo Act of 1807 was put into effect. This ceased trading between the United States with France and Britain (two of the county's greatest threats). In an attempt to gain allies and halt the destrucyion of American ships, and the capturing of their crews, Madison dissolved the embargo and passed the Macon Bill. This bill stated that the United States would trade with any country which agreed to remain neutral toward it. France accepted the agreement, however Britain did not. With the continued harassment of American merchant ships, by the British fleet, and the repeated attacks by the Native Americans, the ill-prepared Untied States declared war on Britain on June 1, 1812. The US suffered many defeats, including the burning of Washington DC, but after the stunning victory at the Battle of New Orleans Russia forced peace on the two countries with the Treaty of Ghent. With the assistance of the United States Military, James Madison has successfully ended the nation's foreign conflicts.

Due to the Federalist party beginning to collapse, the majority of Congress was filled with those who belonged to his party, the democratic-republicans. Madison had a decent relationship with his fellow party members. The republicans were anti-British and thus were willing to go to war after Madison and the "War Hawks" riled them up. The "War Hawks" were a strong nationalist group in the House of Representatives who wanted to go to war with England. Though Madison often denied Congress's decisions, often through vetoing (which he did 7 times), Madison helped pass several key bills in American history. The main bill passed by Madison was the Macon Bill, which led to the war of 1812. Madison had conflicting views involving the National Bank. When he first entered office he allowed the banks charter to expire, then twice denied the creation of a new bank, yet by the end of his second term in office, Madison understood the value of a national bank and allowed the charter be made for the Second Bank of the United States.

The most prominent event which occurred during Madison's presidency is also arguably the one which ended the most positively, the War of 1812. Though war itself is never a positive event, once the War of 1812 had ended the country grew much stronger. Some of the postwar benefits include the creation of a powerful standing army, and strong navy, and an effective and (generally) agreed upon system for taxing. The war also aloowed Madison to see the importance ofa national bank, and he formed the Second Bank of the United States.

Although he did eventually understand its importance, Madison's biggest blunder was his initial dismantlement of the federal bank. Madison felt that a nation bank gave the Federal Government to much power. But without a United States Bank, American was hindered during the war of 1812. Though the war ended in what many consider a "stalemate," the United States could have possible become victorious with the proper funding. Madison may have crippled American for several years, but he did manage to redeem himself by establishing a second nation bank.

The most long-lasting effect the Madison Administration had on history was the formation of the Second Bank of the United States. Though it was not a perfect bank, and was changed several times by other presidents (including Andrew Jackson), it did form a strong basis for the bank. Today there is no "federal bank" per se, but the monetary system as well as the multitude of different banks are all regulated by the Federal Government.

Overall. President James Madison definitely deserves a B+ (or even possibly and A). Madison helped get the United States through its final war with its current day ally. He also called for the creation of the Second Bank of the United States, which was a basis for today's system of banking. While Madison may not have been the perfect president, he did manage to get America through an incredibly tough time.


 * Works Cited**

"Bank of the United States definition of Bank of the United States in the Free Online ." //Encyclopedia//. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. .

"James Madison -." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. . "James Madison." //American History and World History at Historycentral.com the largest and most complete history site on the web//. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. . "SparkNotes: James Madison: President Madison." //SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides//. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. . "War Hawk -." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Web. 19 Feb. 2010. .