053 The War of 1812: Declaration of War

Congress declared war on Great Britain in June, 1812. The United
States was ill-prepared to initiate a campaign against British
Canada but was optimistic nevertheless. President Madison wanted
to bring the British back to the bargaining table by using force.
Preoccupied with the war in Europe, the British had a thin crust
of Red Coats and local militia along the border to defend their
interests. As Madison would find out in the ensuing months, it
was easy to declare war, but exceedingly difficult to prosecute
one. 


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