The Election of 1812 was the first presidential election held during a time of war in the United States. Incumbent President James Madison faced a significant challenge from DeWitt Clinton, the Mayor of New York.
The War of 1812
Great Britain had long been a thorn in America’s side, seizing U.S. shipping vessels and impressing American sailors into the British Navy. The British also disrupted American trade with France, as the U.S. was supporting France in its conflict with Britain. Tensions further escalated when Britain began collaborating with Native American tribes, notably those led by Shawnee chief Tecumseh, who fought against American expansion in battles such as Tippecanoe and the Thames.
In June 1812, President Madison asked Congress to declare war on Britain, which they did. Many in Congress, especially Federalists, opposed the war, leading some to refer to it as “Madison’s War.” With America engaged in its first war as a nation, Madison faced the additional challenge of seeking Election for 1812.
A Party Divided
Internal divisions within the Democratic-Republican Party complicated Madison’s re-election bid. Discontent grew over the war, territorial expansion, and the ongoing dominance of the “Virginia Dynasty.” As the party’s congressional caucus convened, the Southern wing nominated Madison for re-election. The Northern wing had considered nominating Madison’s vice president, George Clinton, but this plan was abandoned when Clinton died in April 1812.
Madison secured the Southern nomination, with Massachusetts Governor John Langdon initially selected as his running mate. Langdon declined due to his age, and Elbridge Gerry, known for “gerrymandering,” was chosen instead. Despite Madison’s renomination, many Northern Democratic-Republicans were dissatisfied and sought an alternative candidate.
Clinton for President
The Northern Democrats rallied behind DeWitt Clinton, George Clinton’s nephew and the Mayor of New York. Clinton was nominated with little opposition, though he faced a challenge: his supporters were divided between “Warhawks” who supported the war and those opposed. Clinton navigated this by presenting conflicting positions to different factions, a tactic that took advantage of the era’s communication limitations.
The Federalist Dilemma
The Federalist Party, seeing an opportunity due to the Democratic-Republican divide and general opposition to the war, initially considered Chief Justice John Marshall as a potential candidate. Marshall’s influence and his ability to secure key states like Virginia and the North were significant assets.
However, with DeWitt Clinton emerging as the Northern Democrats’ candidate, many Federalists opted not to run a candidate, fearing that doing so would split the anti-Madison vote and ensure his victory. Some Federalists quietly supported Clinton due to his anti-war stance, while others nominated Rufus King, who had previously run as Charles C. Pinckney’s vice-presidential candidate. Clinton selected Jarod Ingersoll from Pennsylvania as his running mate, hoping to leverage Pennsylvania’s electoral votes.
The Results
James Madison narrowly won re-election, securing 128 electoral votes, just surpassing the 109 needed for victory. DeWitt Clinton received 89 electoral votes. The popular vote was close, with Madison receiving 50.4% and Clinton 47.6%. Rufus King, although not a major contender, earned 2% of the popular vote. This election marked the first time an incumbent president won re-election with a decreased percentage of both the electoral and popular vote—Madison’s popular vote share had dropped by 14.4% from 1808.
Madison’s victory in the Election of 1812 highlighted the growing divisions within the Democratic-Republican Party and signalled the Federalist Party’s continued decline. As the first wartime presidential election, it set a precedent for future conflicts, with the “Virginia Dynasty” remaining intact but increasingly precarious.
