Existing comment:
Free Trade and Sailors' Rights:
The United States declared war on Great Britain in June 1812. "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," cried pro-war forces. We are tired of being bullied on the seas, our sailors pressed into Royal service. Most Marylanders agreed. But critics, particularly New Englanders, strongly dissented. They dubbed it "Mr. Madison's War."
No matter where you stood, one thing was clear: The United States, poorly-prepared and fiercely divided had picked a fight with an international power and the world's mightiest army. |