A Step Towards War - Chloe

To be the president of the United States is to have power coursing through you veins. All eyes are on you as laws are signed and bills are passed; money is spent and officials are appointed. Few in the world would pass up the opportunity to receive the capabilities that come with the title of President. One aspect of the presidency that is not often explored by the people as they dream of the day when they will bear this honor, is the possibility that they might make a mistake. Even though they are the president, these mere men still have their blunders, large and small. James Madison experienced what it felt like to be in the highest political position in the nation, and making a blunder for all American to see. This occurred when James Madison allowed the United States to go to war with Europe. Warfare between these two factions in 1812 was a detrimental move because of relational harm, economic harm, and because of the small inexperienced army thrown into a full-fledge war.

James Madison thought he was taking a step towards the better well-being of the United States when he started the War of 1812. All the disadvantageous that resulted were nothing like the United States had expected. As with all wars, and all conflicts in general, the relationship between the two fighting parties because extremely strained. The War of 1812 was no different. Notions that Britain and America had weak ties were reaffirmed as soon as the battles began. Another characteristic of wars that remained predominant throughout it all was that of economic pressure. Arms cost money, imports and exports fall, and inflation increases all because the United States goes to war with another country. American citizens felt the effects of this conflict as the economy began to suffer during this time. Soldiers of the United States Army felt the blows of war the most, as it is in any war. Inexperienced, unready, undersupplied and at the very least, afraid, the men were thrust into war against the British for the second time.

All wars have their advantages and their disadvantages. The decision to go to war with Britain produced respect for the United States, and many other benefits; however it did prove to cause harm to the country in other respects. Not only in terms of its relations with other countries, but also in the economic sense, and in terms of its soldiers. James Madison took a step towards war with Britain, but that step caused a slew of problems to be thrust upon his great country.

-- Chloe (grade 8)