Although President Madison stressed U.S. neutral rights as the principal reason for war, other reasons were probably far more important."

The primary aim of President James Madison was to avoid war with a European power while at the same time defending U.S. neutral rights at sea. In 1812, President Madison chose to abandon his policy of peace and neutrality in order to engage in a war against Great Britain. The causes of the war mainly constituted a U.S. defense of honor but most importantly it was due to the British violation of U.S. neutral rights. Challenges to U.S. neutrality was the primary factor which sparked the war with Britain.

War was inevitable. This belief was supported by President Madison and is clearly seen in Madison's war message to Congress. In his speech, President Madison clearly indicates his reasons for war. Most prevalent of these...