25 Defining Days: James Madison

Welcome to Part 4! This time it’s another Founding Father to take the stage. Let’s dive into the administration of James Madison: 

First inauguration – 4th March 1809

James Madison had been Thomas Jefferson’s chosen successor, and was inaugurated on this day. He was sworn in by Chief Justice John Marshall inside the chamber of the House of Representatives inside the US Capitol. The first inaugural ball was also held, though Madison hated the entire thing.  

Battle of Tippecanoe – 7th November 1811

Tensions between the government and Native Americans had certainly continued throughout the years. Two of the most notable Natives of the time were Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, known as ‘The Prophet.’ On this day, Governor of the Indiana Territory William Henry Harrison led an army to the brothers’ base at Prophetstown. The US military won the battle despite being taken by surprise, forcing the brothers into a retreat. The confederacy never regained momentum. William Henry Harrison would become a national hero and future president, Tecumseh was killed in battle nearly two years later and Tenskwatawa died aged fifty-one.

George Clinton dies – 20th April 1812

George Clinton had been vice president during Thomas Jefferson’s second term and had continued his role for Madison. Clinton died on this day at the age of seventy-two, leaving a vacancy in the office. He would not be replaced until the election and is the first of seven vice presidents to die in office. 

Declaration of War against the United Kingdom -18th June 1812

Tensions with the United Kingdom reached an all-time high. By mid-1812, the Americans had enough of British actions. In June 1812, Congress voted for a war. Madison signed the declaration on this date, though it was announced the next day. 

The USS Constitution defeats HMS Guerriere – 19th April 1812

The USS Constitution met HMS Guerriere off the coast of Canada on this day. The Guerriere was vastly outnumbered and dwarfed by the Constitution but engaged anyway. After a short but fierce fight, the Constitution gained their enemy’s surrender. Whilst the Guerriere could not be retrieved as a war prize, the American victory was a great propaganda and war coup. 

Siege of Detroit ends – 16th August 1812

On this date, the Siege of Detroit ended after beginning the day before. Tecumseh was back again causing trouble for the Americans. This time, he aligned with British forces to attack American forces in Detroit. The Americans were taken aback, and lost the battle. Brigadier General Hull’s choice to surrender alienated many Americans, and he even faced the death penalty before his sentence was commuted by Madison. This was a low point in the War of 1812.  

Officially reelected – 2nd December 1812

The election of 1812 was a very close one, but Madison ultimately won out in the end on this day. The election had taken over a month, stretching from October to December. Madison’s margin of victory was narrow, but gave him a mandate to continue the war on his terms. 

Second inauguration – 4th March 1813

Despite the war, Madison was sworn in once again on this date. The location was the same and the oath was once again administered by Chief Justice John Marshall. The Madisons held an inaugural ball, likely on Dolley’s insistence. 

Capture of USS Chesapeake – 1st June 1813

The USS Chesapeake was captured by HMS Shannon in a battle off the coast of Boston on this day. The captain of the Shannon issued a challenge to the Chesapeake and the two eventually engaged one another. In around ten to fifteen minutes, over two-hundred sailors were killed or wounded. The Chesapeake’s captain was KIA, many were captured and the vessel was taken by the Shannon. It was a great upset for America. 

Massacre at Fort Mims – 30th August 1813

Tensions remained with Native Americans. On this day, a group of Creek Indians attacked a homestead on the frontier in Alabama. Nearly all white and mixed folk were killed, whilst slaves were taken prisoners by the Natives. The situation terrified settlers and marked yet another deterioration in American-Native relations.  

Battle of Lake Erie – 10th September 1813

The War of 1812 raged on, and the Battle of Lake Erie was just one part of it. British and American forces clashed on the shores just off of Ohio on this date. After about three hours of fighting, American forces won. It was a major victory, especially as it allowed them to later retake Detroit.

Battle of the Thames – 5th October 1813

Another major battle, the Battle of the Thames, happened on this date. Americans went up against a joint force of the British and a confederacy of Native Americans led by Tecumseh. The Americans were led by William Henry Harrison, making this a rematch. After several hours of heavy fighting, Tecumseh was killed. Native soldiers melted away as soon as Tecumseh was killed, ending the battle. The Battle of the Thames was a major American victory, as it allowed control of vital areas and ended Tecumseh’s Confederacy. 

Battle of Bladensburg/Burning of Washington – 24th August 1814

This date was an incredibly important one for the Madison presidency. Firstly, it was the date of the Battle of Bladensburg in Maryland. Fewer than ten miles out of DC, the Americans were dealt a heavy defeat due to poor strategy. As a result, British forces were now headed for DC. President Madison fled with officials. Dolley Madison stayed until the last minute, having to be pushed out of the White House, having famously ordered a slave named Paul Jennings to save the Washington portrait. The British captured the capital and set it ablaze, with the White House and Capitol Building just two buildings that fell victim to the flames. The occupation lasted about a day and is the only time DC has fallen to a foreign power. It was a major shock to Americans and required major reconstruction.

Battle of Plattsburgh ends – 11th September 1814

The Battle of Plattsburgh ended on this date. Having lasted five days, the British were prevented from advancing by a numerically inferior American force. Whilst it was not a huge strategic victory, it did end the British occupation of northern states.

Siege of Fort McHenry Ends – 14th December 1814

Part of the Battle of Baltimore, the intense siege of Fort McHenry ended on this date. The British had bombarded this essential fort for over a day, but the Americans held steady. As a result of their holdout, the British were repelled on the naval front. It was this siege, and the famous flying of the large American flag, that inspired Francis Scott Key’s ‘Star Spangled Banner.’

Battle of Baltimore Ends – 15th September 1814

The Battle of Baltimore ended on this date, having lasted three days. Baltimore was one of the most important cities in early 19th century America, especially due to its large port and proximity to the capital. The naval bombardment was ended by troops at Fort McHenry, and the land invasion by soldiers elsewhere. This was a major victory for America, but the war was not over yet.

Siege of Fort Erie ends – 21st September 1814

Starting on the 4th August, the Siege of Fort Erie ended on this date. Both the British and Americans fought hard for over a month, but sustained heavy casualties from both injury and illness. The Americans emerged victorious in the end, though the British did attempt another attack.

Elbridge Gerry dies – 23rd November 1814

Seven vice presidents died in office, and James Madison was particularly unfortunate to see both of his pass away during his administration. Elbridge Gerry had been the replacement for George Clinton, whose death is described earlier. He was seventy years old when he suffered a sudden heart attack, passing away the same day. Gerry was not replaced, meaning Madison continued his presidency without a veep.

Battle of New Orleans – 8th January 1815

Though the Treaty of Ghent had been agreed, it had not yet been ratified, so fighting still continued in the War of 1812. The Battle of New Orleans, fought on this day, is one of the most famous battles in American history. Led by Major General Andrew Jackson, American forces went up against a British contingent led by Edward Pakenham. The battle had been in the making since December, but did not truly start until this day. In a matter of perhaps half an hour, a numerically superior British force was soundly defeated by the better-prepared Americans. Pakenham lost his life, and about 2,000 British soldiers were killed, wounded or captured. The British withdrew and Andrew Jackson became a national hero, though his role as military leader would become controversial. The Battle of New Orleans was the last military engagement in the War of 1812.

Treaty of Ghent is ratified – 17th February 1815

In December 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed in the Netherlands, bringing peace after several years of war. Though it did not come in time to prevent the Battle of New Orleans, it was agreed upon by Congress on the 16th February and ratified the next day by Madison. Among the terms were the release of prisoners and return of land.

Second Barbary War ends – 19th June 1815

Though peace reigned back home after the Treaty of Ghent, America was having problems again with piracy (see the Jefferson piece for the First Barbary War). Over only two days, the Americans beat Algiers into submission, killing and wounding men and destroying many ships. The traditional tribute paid by European and American ships to prevent piracy ended, as did piracy itself in the region for the most part.

Battle of Waterloo – 18th June 1815

Whilst the Battle of Waterloo happened in Belgium and did not involve American troops, it was a major event in 19th century history. General Napoleon Bonaparte had been a thorn in the side of many for years, but had been forced to abdicate after a European army marched on Paris in 1814. He escaped exile, but had his final defeat at Waterloo on this date. Napoleon was then exiled properly and lived a quiet life before dying six years later. The defeat of Napoleon brought about a huge change in French policy, something which would affect their relations with America.

Charter for the Second Bank of the United States is signed – 10th April 1816

After the Charter for the First Bank of the United States ran out, there was an appetite for a second. James Madison signed the charter for the Second Bank of the United States on this date. Whilst there had been some opposition, there was general support for it and Madison signed it without issue. It would not be until the presidency of Andrew Jackson that it would really come into question.

The Tariff of 1816 is approved – 27th April 1816

In an attempt to encourage domestic production, a 25% tariff was added on foreign wool and cotton. This was the first tariff that explicitly used protectionism as its goal, but would be a temporary measure that lasted three years. Such a tariff was deeply unpopular in the South due to its production of the products, so attempts to make it permanent failed.

James Monroe inauguration – 4th March 1817

James Madison finally left office on the 4th March 1817 after a very full-on eight years. His close friend and heir apparent James Monroe succeeded him. Madison died nineteen years later, dying with significant debts and lack of cash. His widow Dolley had to sell off Montpelier, slaves and other items to pay off said debts. She remained a mainstay of Washington D.C social life until her death in 1849.

That’s it for James Madison. Tune in next week for James Monroe, in which we’ll see him deal with a certain compromise, a certain doctrine and lots of treaties.