Primary sourceDocument18 June 1812

United States Declaration of War on the United Kingdom

18 June 1812

The 1812 act of Congress, signed by President Madison, that began the War of 1812.

Madison signed this declaration after requesting it from Congress, starting the War of 1812 during his presidency.

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Scan of the handwritten 1812 Act of Congress declaring war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the United States of America. Header reads Twelfth Congress of the United States, First Session, Washington, November 1811. Signatures of the Speaker and Vice President appear at the bottom. — Act declaring war between the United Kingdom and the United States, 18 June 1812.

About this source

What it is

This act, passed by the 12th United States Congress on June 18, 1812, declared war between the United States and the United Kingdom. It was signed by James Madison, the fourth U.S. president, beginning the War of 1812.

Why it matters

Madison asked Congress for the declaration after years of tension with Britain over trade restrictions, the impressment of American sailors, and British support for Native American resistance to U.S. expansion. Congressmen known as the 'War Hawks', led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, pushed hard for war. The vote was close, showing how divided the country was even as it went to war under Madison's leadership.

Look closer

Why might Congress have been so divided over declaring war?
What grievances pushed Madison and the War Hawks toward war with Britain?
What does the narrow vote margin suggest about public opinion at the time?

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