USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Known as the “War Hawks, ” they were mostly young politicians from hailing from the West and South. Led by new Speaker of the House Henry Clay, this small group of Jeffersonian Republicans pressed for a military confrontation to redress American grievances.

Detailed explanation-2: -In December 1811, the U.S. Congress elected Henry Clay of Kentucky as speaker of the house. Clay became a spokesperson for the War Hawks and pushed the agenda of war against Britain.

Detailed explanation-3: -In June of 1812, the War Hawks got what they wanted: Congress declared war against Great Britain, thus beginning what would come to be known as the War of 1812. The name War Hawks was created informally by Congressman John Randolph, who was opposed to entry into the war.

Detailed explanation-4: -The War Hawks pushed for war against Britain to punish them for hurting American prestige and to stop the alleged British instigation of American Indians upon American settlers. But most importantly they wanted to seize control of British Canada, which was still controlled by the King of England.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most Western and Southern congressmen supported war, while Federalists (especially New Englanders who relied heavily on trade with Britain) accused war advocates of using the excuse of maritime rights to promote their expansionist agenda.