Precedents set by Washington on future presidencies -
James Madison
War of 1812 -
Treaty of Ghent -
One precedent set by Washington that had an impact on James Madison's presidency was his emphasis on a strong executive branch. Washington established the office of the presidency as the head of the executive branch and set the expectations for the president to be a strong leader. This influence can be seen in Madison's presidency, where he continued to assert the power of the executive branch, particularly during the War of 1812.
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain, and it occurred during Madison's presidency. Washington's precedent of utilizing the executive's power as the commander-in-chief of the military heavily influenced Madison's approach to the war. Madison took decisive actions to defend the nation, such as declaring war on Britain and implementing policies to strengthen the military. This demonstrated the president's role as the defender of the country, similar to how Washington had positioned the presidency during his time.
Another significant event during Madison's presidency was the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814, which ended the War of 1812. This event highlighted Madison's ability to negotiate and make diplomatic decisions. Washington had set a precedent of diplomacy and negotiation during his own presidency, particularly with the Jay Treaty of 1796. Madison followed in Washington's footsteps by pursuing diplomatic means to resolve the conflict and ultimately reaching a peaceful resolution through the Treaty of Ghent.
Overall, Washington's precedents of a strong executive branch and emphasis on diplomacy influenced James Madison's presidency during the War of 1812 and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. These events showcased Madison's utilization of presidential powers and his commitment to preserving and defending the nation, following the example set by Washington.