This Day in Military History

June 1, 1812: President James Madison made the case for war against Britain during a speech to Congress. Madison listed several grievances: impressment of American sailors (who were forced to serve in the Royal Navy), renewing and encouraging warfare among Native American peoples in the Northwest, and conducting illegal blockades. Madison said these acts constituted war and that for the United States to ignore them would undermine American sovereignty. On June 4, the House of Representatives

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (p. 139). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.