James Madison

James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, at his mother's home in Port Conway, King George County, Virginia.

James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the fourth President, was born on March 16, 1751.

From February 1787 to March 1788, the individual served as an elected Virginia delegate to Congress in New York, participating in the legislative and decision-making processes at the national level.

In May to September 1787, James Madison served as a delegate to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia and played a key role in the drafting and signing of the U.S. Constitution.

New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, securing enough votes to become the law of the land.

Despite being opponents in the election, James Madison and James Monroe developed an unusual friendship during the campaign trail, which surprised many including Madison’s enemy, Patrick Henry.

In 1793, James Madison was elected to the U.S. Senate, which significantly contributed to his political influence and career.

James Madison married Dolley Payne Todd at 'Harewood,' Charles Town, West Virginia.

James Madison was appointed as the Secretary of State on March 5, 1801.

James Madison entered duty as the Secretary of State on May 2, 1801.

Madison assisted in engineering the Louisiana Purchase during Jefferson’s administration. This was a major land acquisition that doubled the size of the United States, significantly impacting the nation's territorial expansion.

On March 4, 1808, James Madison was inaugurated as the President of the United States, marking the beginning of his presidency.

James Madison was inaugurated as the fourth President of the United States in 1809, taking office during a crucial period in American history.

James Madison's appointment as the Secretary of State ended on March 3, 1809.

James Madison was inaugurated as the 4th President of the United States on March 4, 1809.

Madison calls for the renewal of an act that allows the President to mobilize 100,000 militiamen, strengthen the regular army, establish a force of 20,000 volunteers, and reactivate idle components of the naval fleet in response to tensions with Spain over West Florida.

The landmark Supreme Court case Fletcher v. Peck is a significant decision that established the principle that state laws conflicting with the Constitution are invalid. It arose from a controversial land transaction in Georgia and had far-reaching implications for constitutional law.

James Madison was inaugurated as President of the United States, and his presidency would be associated with the War of 1812, often referred to as 'Mr. Madison's War.'

Madison issues a proclamation allowing the occupation of West Florida, which was also claimed by Spain, as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Madison reestablished nonintercourse with Britain in response to the French seizure of American ships. This event marked a significant diplomatic and economic decision during Madison's presidency.

The Bank of the United States was established by Congress, signifying a crucial financial and regulatory development during Madison's presidency.

President Madison calls for a special session of Congress to prepare for a potential war against Britain, which reflects the escalating tensions between the two nations.

President Madison delivers a tentative war message to Congress, signaling a significant shift in the country's policy towards Britain.

General William Henry Harrison carries out a pre-emptive strike on Shawnee leader Tecumseh, resulting in a barely successful engagement that serves as a prelude to the War of 1812. Tecumseh flees to Canada and British protection.

Madison proclaims the Battle of Tippecanoe a victory that will restore peace to the northwestern frontier.

Congress passes a bill to enlarge the second regular army to 25,000, exceeding Madison's request for a force of 10,000. However, the bill provides less flexibility than Madison had requested, leading to disagreements between Madison's administration and Congress.

Amidst intense competition within the Democratic-Republican party, James Madison is nominated for a second term as President.

Madison asked Congress to declare war due to British impressment of American seamen and seizure of cargoes, despite the nation not being fully prepared for the conflict.

On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain, leading to the War of 1812.

Madison wins reelection, securing 128 electoral votes to Federalist DeWitt Clinton's 89, indicating a divide within the nation.

Despite internal conflict within the Democratic-Republican Party, James Madison is comfortably reelected by the electoral college.

James Madison delivers his second inaugural address.

James Madison sends a special session message discussing war developments and peace negotiations that occurred on 04/21/1813.

President Madison proposes and Congress passes a total embargo on exports and a ban on all imports of British origin, aiming to disrupt Britain's trade dependence on the United States.

President Madison appoints commissioners including Henry Clay, Albert Gallatin, James Bayard, Jonathan Russell, and John Quincy Adams to negotiate directly with Britain in Gothenburg, Sweden, with later negotiations being transferred to Ghent, Belgium.

President James Madison signed a series of bills to strengthen the military, including activating regiments previously authorized, raising and funding three regiments of riflemen, and receiving volunteer soldiers entitled to the same pay as regular soldiers.

In retaliation for the American burning of York, the British entered Washington, D.C. and set fire to the White House, Capitol Building, the Treasury, and other government buildings.

On December 21, 1815, the Senate advised and consented to the ratification of the treaty of June 30, 1815, during James Madison's presidency.

President Madison vetoed Henry Clay's 'Bonus Bill,' which aimed at funding internal improvements, reflecting his stance on the role of the federal government in such projects.

On March 4, 1817, James Madison's presidency came to an end, and he was succeeded by James Monroe, his Secretary of State.

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and the Father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, passed away peacefully over breakfast on June 28, 1836. He was buried in the family cemetery at Montpelier.