Blog

For this question, refer to the following excerpt.   It is u…

For this question, refer to the following excerpt.   It is universally known that the causes for which we declared war are no obstruction to peace. The practice of blockade and impressment having ceased by the general pacification of Europe, our government is content to leave the principle as it was. . . .   We have no further business in hostility, than such as is purely defensive; while that of Great Britain is to humble or subdue us. The war, on our part, has become a contest for life, liberty and property—on the part of our enemy, of revenge or ambition. . . .   What then are we to do? Are we to encourage him by divisions among ourselves—to hold out the hope of a separation of the states and a civil war—to refuse to bring forth the resources of the country against him? . . . I did think that in a defensive war—a struggle for all that is valuable—that all parties would have united. But it is not so—every measure calculated to replenish the treasury or raise men is opposed [by New England] as though it were determined to strike the “star spangled banner” and exalt the bloody cross. Look at the votes and proceedings of congress—and mark the late spirit . . . that existed in Massachusetts, and see with what unity of action every thing has been done [by New England] to harass and embarrass the government. . . .   To conclude—why does the war continue? It is not the fault of the government—we demand no extravagant thing. I answer the question, and say—it lasts because Great Britain depends on the exertions of her “party” in this country to destroy our resources, and compel “unconditional submission.” Thus the war began, and is continued, by our divisions.   Hezekiah Niles, Niles’ Weekly Register, January 28, 1815   During the period from 1800 to 1820, the arguments described in the excerpt above created the strongest divisions between the