The War of 1812 was the first invasion in American history. It was also the first time the U.S had ever declared on another country, which was signed on June 18, 1812 by President James Madison. Though congress eventually voted on war, both the House and Senate were severely divided. Federalists opposed the war because they believed they used it to promote their expansionist agenda. There were multiple causes of the war, Britain’s restrictions of U.S trade by the Orders in Council, the British navy capturing American seamen and forcing them to serve on the behalf of the British, and America’s desire for expansion. The U.S decided to attack Canada but they suffered a humiliating defeat after Sir Isaac Brock and Tecumseh’s forces forced them