The Presidents of the USA

Fast Facts

James Madison

1809-1817

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

birthplace

Port Conway, VA

birthday

March 16

Life

1751-1836

age

OFC:57 , d. 85

party

Democratic-Republican

presidency highlights

War of 1812. The British captured Washington DC

nickname:

His Little Majesty

vice-president:

George Clinton (1809-12), Elbridge Gerry (1813-14), none

previous office

Secretary of State

key background fact:

The 'father of the Constitution' - major role in Louisiana purchase

occupation

Plantation Owner, Lawyer

military service

Colonel of Virginia militia (without real military service)

children

—

wife:

Dorothy “Dolley” Payne Todd (1794)

height

5' 4'' / 1.63 m

higher education

Princeton

religion

Episcopalian

quote

"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."

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actions & events

1811 Cumberland Road construction starts (first National Road)
1817 Veto on Bonus Bill for funding States improvements

economy

The first U.S. protective tariff was imposed
Second Bank of the United States established

foreign affairs

1814 The Treaty of Ghent ends the War of 1812

military activity

1811 Tippecanoe battle (Harrison vs. Chief Tecumseh)
1812-15 War of 1812 with the British. Disastrous.
1815 New Orleans battle; Andrew Jackson victorious

unique facts

The shortest president (and the lightest)
The first president to wear long trousers.

interesting

He is considered the father of the Bill of Rights.

During the War of 1812, Madison was under enemy fire.

military activity

1811 Tippecanoe battle (Harrison vs. Chief Tecumseh)
1812-15 War of 1812 with the British. Disastrous.
1815 New Orleans battle; Andrew Jackson victorious

Legacy

His leadership in the War of 1812 was particularly inept. But the young nation emerged united and strong, and Madison enjoyed tremendous popularity and respect during his last years.

White House in flames