Was James Madison A Success Or Failure

Known as one of America’s founding fathers, secretary of state and president of the United States, James Madison was born in 1751 and grew up in Orange County, Virginia. Madison was the oldest of twelve children and son to a wealthy plantation owner. At age eleven, James was sent to a boarding school but returned five years later to receive private tutoring due to ill health. After two years, Madison went to study at Princeton University, then called the College of New Jersey, where he studied Latin, Greek, science and philosophy and became well-read in law. He Graduated in 1771, staying a bit longer to study under the school's president, Reverend John Witherspoon. After returning to Orange County, Madison became elected to the Orange County …show more content…
As President of the United States, Madison sought to continue Jefferson’s agenda and disassemble the system left behind by the previous Federalist presidents. In the beginning of Madison’s presidency, the war in Europe between Great Britain and France was a pressing issue. French and British ships were attacking American trade vessels and Madison’s previous policy of the Embargo Act had failed, and been replaced with the Non-Intercourse Act , which allowed trade with any country except France and Britain. When this act became unenforceable another bill replaced it which allowed trade with any countries who agreed to respect US neutrality. Great Britain refused which led to increased tension with the British and later led to the War of 1812, also referred to as “Mr. Madison’s War”. During the war, Madison ran for re-election against Federalist candidate DeWitt Clinton and won. Despite his victory, many disapproved of Madison’s presidency and blamed him for the difficulties stemming from the war. On August 1814, Madison was forced to flee Washington, D.C., when British troops began pillaging the city, including the White House, the Capitol and the Library of Congress. The pillaging of the city led to the destruction of the White House. Before the house was destroyed, Dolley Madison, James Madison’s wife, secured a painting of George Washington from the House. Finally, in December …show more content…
As we recall, there were hardships with France and Britain. Madison preferred to find a peaceful, diplomatic way to settle their disputes. This was seen as a sign of weakness within his own party, the Democratic-Republicans. The group of Republicans that were pro-war, the War Hawks, felt that an attack on Britain was necessary. The War Hawks were not a majority at the time. Over time, they began to influence others that a preemptive strike would be necessary. Eventually, Congress granted a declaration of war. Due to the Republican’s beliefs of a small standing army, they relied on small local militias. In turn, they were bled dry over the course of the war, which Madison had very little involvement in. This led to a near draw by the end of the war. All in all, a war with Britain was inevitable, but due to Madison’s lack of involvement and the miniscule standing army, the death tolls were higher than