The young Republican congressmen from southern and western states known as the “War Hawks”, including Henry Clay of Kentucky and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, demanded war against Great Britain in 1810-11.
They got their wish in the War of 1812. Dubbed “War Hawks” by their opponents, they wanted to stop Great Britain from impressing American sailors and blockading American ports.
They also had hopes of expanding into Canada (owned by Britain) and Florida and Texas (owned by Britain’s ally Spain).
