The First Test

To examine the relationship between the civil-military relations and the strategy of the war, this paper will trace the ideological and experiential background of the nation; examine the portions of the Constitution related to security, defense, and war-making; describe the security concerns and foreign policy considerations of the United States leading into the war; and finally, examine how the shape of the government and other internal factors influenced President Madisons ability to wage war. What will emerge is a picture of disunity and chaos in spite of a Congressional endorsed declaration of war.