War Of 1812 Racism

The War of 1812 was arguably one of the strangest wars in history for many reasons. The accounts of racism with service in the army, the fact that it was three different wars fought on three separate fronts, and the apparent uneven military situation is among many other contributing factors. North American marked the bicentennial of this war 5 years ago in 2012. Setting a moment aside to understand various elements such as why the war began, those who supported and opposed the war altogether, and understand the reasons for their stance is notably worth it! On June 12, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain as a result of many conflicts among the two countries. The British constantly took part in impressment and made US citizens be employed as a member of the Royal Navy. In addition, the British bombarded the USS Chesapeake and almost brought about a war two years prior. Also,
altercations continued on with Great Britain among the Northwest Territories in addition to the border with Canada. Ultimately, Great Britain's blockade of France throughout the Napoleonic Wars performed as a continuous source of conflict with the U.S. which eventually led towards war. The seizing of its ships, the ongoing impressment of its sailors, and the belief the British were provoking Indian rebellions on the Northwest frontier were but a few included in the list of complaints that the United States had against the British.
Pretty much all of these were adequate reasons to go to war. The predicament was that the Navy and the United States Army were simply not up to the task of taking part in conflict with the British. At the beginning of 1812, the US Army had only around 4,000 men and officers. Simultaneously, the Navy comprised of seven brigs, five frigates, and three sloops. In January 1812, Congress approved the expansion of the US Army to 30,000 men and officers, but that wasn’t enough. Congress then additionally approved 30,000 one-year volunteers. War was most definitely drawing closer and closer as time went on. However, there was an apparent lack of eagerness simply because no one really wanted to go to war. Who to go to war with was yet another question. President Madison sent out a letter to Congress summarizing the fact that ever since November 1807, the British had seized 389
American ships, while the French had seized 558 almost simultaneously. However, it was only the British that forced sailors into naval service. Madison was actually hesitant to request the country to go to war. Ultimately, on June 1st, 1812, he then sent a request to announce war on Great Britain to the Congress. On June 17th, the Senate authorized the Declaration of War by a vote of 19 to 13. Some Senators who had opposed the vote changed their minds and chose to vote in favor. So by a close vote gap, Congress voted a Declaration of War against Great Britain.