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March 16, 1751 in King George County, Virginia – June 28 1836 in Montpelier estate, Virginia

Political Party: Democratic- Republican

Terms March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1817

Vice President: First term - George Clinton in 1809-1812; Second term - Elbridge Gerry in 1813 – 1814

The American Identity took a great shift during James Madison’s presidency as the worlds view of America changed after the war of 1812. Before the war, America was seen as weak by other nations. America was the largest neutral trader yet European powers continually disrespected American merchant’s rights with impressments and the seizure of goods. This was evident when the British cruiser the Leopard fired upon American ship the Chesapeake in Virginian territory. James Madison’s declaration of war against Britain declared to the world that the United States won’t be bullied by other countries and the US’s successes against Britain in the war proved that the Americans could hold their own against the leading world power. The American identity also changed economically as a result of the war. Before the war the Americans were dependent on French and British trade. This was showcased in the failure of the Embargo act and the economic consequences that followed. After the war, American industry blossomed, filling in the vacuum left by British trade. The US was no longer dependent on trading raw materials; they could now be suppliers of goods in the world market. Another change in the American Identity was the growing nationalism and domestic unity after the war. Before the official end of the war, New England federalist opposed to the war held the Hartford Convention where they discussed grievances with the government and even considered secession. These claims were brought to Washington and then almost immediately shot down. The grievances were buried under the euphoria of Jackson’s victory at New Orleans and the overall satisfaction with the government after the war. This showed a growing sense of nationalism as the people saw fit to throw away ideas against the government and support each other as unified Americans. Their sense of unity was amplified by a victory against a world power even with some states refusing to fight outside their borders. The American Identity made dramatic strides toward progress during Madison’s presidency, changes that shaped America’s future policies and foreign interaction.
 * Thematic Context**

James Madison deserves an A- for the successes during his administration. Taking office from Thomas Jefferson was not an easy task. The country was divided and still hurting from the failed Embargo against France and Britain. America was on the verge of war with a weakened Army and Navy thanks to the Jefferson administration. Madison’s decision to go to war was a large risk that paid off, strengthening the county’s industry and helping eliminate the divisions among the states. His support of the Second Bank of the United States ensured economic stability for years to come. His veto of internal improvements hurt the countries interstate commerce and provided problems for the future. His administration had early failures, like the Non-Intercourse act, but ended with strong improvements to the countries unity and economy. For his bold decision making and victories as president, James Madison and his administration deserve a B+. From his first inaugural address, James Madison stressed the importance of peace in the nation. Madison stated that the prosperity of the nation was dependant on peace and that the country’s greatest achievements came during peace time. It was obvious that one of his goals was to keep the United States neutral while also addressing the issue of British and French violations of the United States’ rights at sea. Madison originally tried to address this problem with the Non-Intercourse act which permitted trade with all nations except France and Britain. If either of the powers accepted the United States’ neutrality they would be exempt from the act. The Non-Intercourse act was not successful but was an improvement from the Embargo of the Jefferson administration. In his second inaugural address, Madison reaffirmed the nation’s case for war against Britain. Madison restates all the grievances they have against the British and tells the people that there cause is one of justice and is “smiled on” by the heavens. Madison wanted the people to believe in the cause because he knew that if they did not, there would be no way for the US to win the War. Madison’s goal in declaring war was to stop the impressments and violations of the British navy and rid the continent of foreign presence. Relationship with Congress Madison had good relationship with Congress filled with give and take. Not having the control that Jefferson had, Madison found himself submitting to the pressures placed on him by congress early in his presidency. Madison received enormous pressure in Congress from the War Hawks. These territory minded congressman made up the 12th congress and strongly advocated war and the seizing of Canada. Once Madison gave in to the War hawks and declared war against Britain, any measure that Madison wanted was passed by congress. Madison’s dealings with Congress showed his ability to do what he felt necessary. This is evident in the Madison’s support if the Bank of the United States. Not many people in congress supported the charter but because Madison saw it necessary, it was passed and stayed in effect for 20 years. Madison also influenced legislation he didn’t approve. In one of his last acts as president he vetoed an act that would increase funding for highways and canals. Even though he was a supporter of federal subsidies for the development of interstate transportation, he thought it over stepped the powers of Congress. This ability to do what is necessary and keep Congress in check validates a grade of B+. A positive event of the Madison Administration was the declaration of war against Britain in the war of 1812. While the war started rocky for the Americans, the eventual successes would propel American industry and domestic unity. Before the war, the United States was being harassed by European powers on land and sea. The violations of the British aroused American anger and the lust for war. Madison chose not to engage the British in his first term because he saw that the country was not ready for war. His eventual decision was a result of many factors. The impressments on sea and the British inspired Native American attacks put the United States in an unfortunate position both economically and diplomatically. While the Treaty of Ghent didn’t give the world a definite winner of the war, The United States received the most benefits. The war showcased America’s military prowess and showed the world they could compete with the best. Through the trials of war a booming American Industry arrived. Also as a result of the war Nationalism and domestic unity increased. The decision of James Madison to go to war set up America for prosperity in the years to come. A negative event during the Madison administration is the passing of Macon’s Bill No. 2. This law repealed the Non-Intercourse act, with the offer that if either Britain or France agreed to respect the neutrality of American ships, the United States would suspend trade with the other. If the other country also repealed their trade-restricting legislation within three months the United States would trade with them again. Napoleon used this to his advantage. He agreed to meet the United States’ demands knowing that Britain would never agree to them. He saw this as a way to block his enemy from the goods of America without having to do any work to do it. After three months had passed the United States had no choice but to block trade with Britain, further deteriorating the two countries relationship. The Macon bill was one of the final steps toward war cementing the bad blood between the countries and making Madison deserve the grade of B+. An influential decision in the presidency of James Madison was his support of the Second Bank of the United States. This decision is influential because it was a much contested measure that was surrounded with controversy. In the aftermath of the War of 1812 the federal government suffered from the disarray of an unregulated currency and a lack of fiscal order; business interests sought security for their government bonds. To address these needs Madison supported the idea of creating a central bank. Opposition to the bank came from Old Republicans who feared the impediment on state sovereignty and social institutions like slavery. The bank’s charter was signed into law by Madison on April 10, 1816. The bank helped usher in the Era of Good Feelings and was vital to the country’s economic structure until Andrew Jackson blocked the renewal if its charter 20 years later. The efforts of James Madison over his two years in office greatly improved the state of the Country. His visions going into office were of a peaceful society based on the foundations set by the great leaders before him. The war of 1812 can be called the Second American Revolution because it freed the country from the restricting ties that kept it from reaching its full potential. The Madison Administration used sound decision making and the belief in justice to lead the country into an era of peace and good feelings. His institution of the national bank put America’s economic future on stable legs. Madison set out to stabilize the republic at home and abroad and he was able to do this through effective war time leadership and postwar legislation. For his efforts he deserves the grade of B+.
 * Thesis**
 * Goals**
 * Positive Event**
 * Negative Event**
 * Influential Decision**
 * Conclusion**

DeGregorio, William A. The complete book of U.S. presidents. New York: Dembner Books :, 2005. Print. Ketcham, Ralph. "Madison, James." Presidents: A Reference History. Ed. Henry F. Graff. 3rd ed. Detroit: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2002. 57-70. Gale U.S. History In Context. Web. 23 Sep. 2012 Madison, James. "James Madison: First Inaugural Address. U.S. Inaugural Addresses. 1989." Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2012. < [] >. "U.S. Presidents." Madison as Wartime President. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2013
 * Bibliography**