Page "James Madison" Paragraph 3

As Jefferson ’ s Secretary of State ( 1801 – 1809 ), Madison supervised the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the nation ’ s size.

After his election to the presidency, he presided over renewed prosperity for several years.

As president ( 1809 – 17 ), after the failure of diplomatic protests and a trade embargo against Great Britain, he led the nation into the War of 1812.

He was responding to British encroachments on American honor and rights ; in addition, he wanted to end the influence of the British among their Indian allies, whose resistance blocked United States settlement in the Midwest around the Great Lakes.

Madison found the war to be an administrative nightmare, as the United States had neither a strong army nor financial system ; as a result, he afterward supported a stronger national government and a strong military, as well as the national bank, which he had long opposed.