James Madison
General Information:
Major "Events" of his Presidency:
- James Madison had been the fourth president of the nation with George Clinton as his Vice President for his first term and Elbridge Gerry as his Vice President for his second term.
- Terms as President lasted from 1809 to 1817.
- He is often labeled "The Father of the Constitution."
- He aided John Jay and Alexander Hamilton write the Federalist Papers.
- He had been the Vice President during Washington's Presidency.
Major "Events" of his Presidency:
- He briefly established the Erskine Agreement which revoked the embargo on Britain. However, after a British Foreign Secretary cancelled the agreement, Madison reverted the policies supported under the Non-Intercourse Act.
- With the increasing tensions between Spain involving West Florida, Madison calls for renewal of an act authorizing the President to call for the build-up of over 100,000 militiamen, bolster the Army to its authorized strength, establish a force for immediate emergencies, and to mobilize idle parts of the naval fleet.
- John Marshall overrules the state legislation in the court case Fletcher v. Peck of 1810.
- Madison refuses to re-charter the First National Bank of the United States.
- The Battle of Tippecanoe, led by Indiana Governor William Henry Harrison, takes place in 1811 against Native American forces led by Tecumseh.
- The United States declares war on Britain in what is known as the "War of 1812."
- The Napoleon's Empire collapses at the Battle of Waterloo and the Monarchy is restored.
- British forces raze many government buildings throughout the deserted Washington D.C. area.
- The United States and Britain sign the "Treaty of Ghent," signifying the end of the war. Yet, news of resolution does not reach all of the country in time for Britain's crushing defeat at the Battle of New Orleans.
- In an attempt to support the post-war America, Madison recharters the First National Bank of the United States.