#1812 June 18

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In June 2025, many of us are taking part in the 30-Day “On This Date” Coach4aday Challenge. Each day, the challenge encourages participants to engage in a meaningful or enjoyable activity inspired by a historical event, anniversary, or personal memory tied to that specific date. My post today is on a US History Lesson on the year 1812.

On June 18, 1812 President James Madison signed a Declaration of War against Great Britain. This date marked the start of the War of 1812. The issue that brought about this conflict was Britain implementing oppressive maritime restrictions. One of those was an requirement that countries had to get a permit from England to trade with France. Additionally, the British Navy had placed a blockade on the US coast stopping trade with Europe.

On This Date-30 Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to think about the history of each day in June.

1. Record something about what happened on this date. It can be an event, memory, or anniversary.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge

June 18th-War of 1812

Tensions leading up to the War of 1812 included British interference with American trade and the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy. The British also supported Native American resistance against American expansion in the Northwest Territory. Rising nationalism and the influence of the “War Hawks” in Congress pushed the United States toward declaring war in June 1812. Those War Hawk congressional leaders had the votes for the country to go into battle.

On June 18, 1812, President James Madison signed the official declaration of war against Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812. This followed a congressional vote prompted by ongoing maritime conflicts, trade restrictions, and British support of Native American attacks. Madison became the first U.S. president to ask Congress for a declaration of war under the Constitution.