Pennsylvania and the War of 1812 - Paperback

by Victor Sapio (Author)

In this study of Pennsylvania and the War of 1812, the author sees the political ambitions of the Republicans, rather than economic, diplomatic or expansionist motives as the primary impetus for the outbreak of the war. Fearful of the Federalists' growing strength, the Republicans exploited the friction with England to maintain their power and to secure the reelection of Madison to the presidency. In this strategy, Victor A. Sapio shows, Pennsylvania played a crucial but hitherto unrecognized pa

Front Jacket

This study provides new insight into the circumstances which brought about the War of 1812. Victor A. Sapio suggests that the principal impetus behind the war was political rather than economic, diplomatic, or expansionist. The immediate cause for the war, Sapio argues, was the Republican Party's ambition to retain leadership of the country by putting their candidate in office in the election of 1812. Republicans feared a takeover by Federalists who, they felt, were a threat to America's independent spirit and consequently they exploited the unrest with England as a means of staying in power.

Sapio demonstrates that Pennsylvania, as a staunchly Republican state, supported the prosecution of war with money, votes, and morale, and was chiefly responsible for the hostilities. This study covers the events leading up to the war -- from the conflict over the embargo of 1808 to election campaigns for Madison, the opposition of DeWitt Clinton, and the turmoil of the election itself. It concludes with an investigation of Pennsylvania's contribution to the war effort and its political support of Madison's strategy in handling his forces and politicians.

Author Biography

Victor A. Sapio is assistant professor of history at Western Carolina University.