How was James Madisons decision to go to war against England in 1812 justified?
James Madison grew up on a plantation called Montpelier in Virginia. This would eventually become his home. He studied under an influential tutor named Donald Robertson and then the Reverend Thomas Martin. He attended the College of New Jersey which would become Princeton, graduating in two years. He was an excellent student and studied subjects ranging from Latin to geography to philosophy. Family Ties: Father: James Madison, Sr. – Plantation owner. Mother: Eleanor Rose Conway – born to a wealthy planter, she lived to be 98. Siblings: Three brothers and three sisters. Wife: Dolley Payne Todd – a widow when she married Madison. She was a well-liked hostess throughout Jefferson’s and Madison’s time in office. She was tenacious, not leaving the White House during the War of 1812 until she ensured that many national treasures were saved. Children: Only Dolley’s son from her first marriage. James Madison’s Career Before the Presidency: Madison was a delegate to the Virginia Convention (177
