document record
18 June 1812 · Federal statute
Declaration of War
Legal beginning of war between the United States and Britain
Congress authorized war after votes of 79–49 in the House and 19–13 in the Senate; Madison signed the measure on June 18.
Why this record matters
The divided roll calls make domestic opposition visible at the moment of national action.
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Evidence behind this record
- War of 1812 DeclarationU.S. House of Representatives · primary document guide
The declaration and congressional context.