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The Life and History of James Madison

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The Life and History of James Madison
“One of the most brilliant men in the history of the United States”. That is how James Madison is described in this video. One of the most influential founding fathers was born March 1751 in Port Conway, Virginia. Although he was weak from illness most of his life, he didn’t let it stop him. He was extremely intelligent and loved reading and writing. James eventually went on to present day Princeton University where he studied numerous subjects including history. After college, he returned home where he had a large interest in the rebellion against Britain. In 1779 Madison was elected into the Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation were failing and James knew it. He began working hard studying the articles and devising plans to revise them to give the young nation a strong form of government. At the convention he took detailed notes and debated almost every issue.
James Madison was a political genius. In 1789 James Madison was elected to the US House of Representatives under President George Washington. Problems and concerns began to arise with the Constitution so James Madison wrote a Bill of Rights to make the people feel more comfortable. His brilliant ideas got him to the Secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson in 1801. James initiated the idea of The Louisiana Purchase which succeeded; doubling the size of the States. He ran for President and by 1809 he was elected, being the fourth. James Madison was re-elected and during his second term he declared war on Great Britain (War of 1812). James fought hard to protect his country. America won the war and signed a peace treaty with Great Britain.
Through his retirement he kept up reading and engaging in politics. By 1836, James Madison died at the age of 85. He was the last Founding father and definitely the most inspirational, intelligent and honorable. His knowledge blessed this country and his legacy he left will live forever. “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” ~James Madison

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