1812
The 1812 U.S. presidential election was won by James Madison (Democratic-Republican) with 128 of 217 electoral votes, defeating DeWitt Clinton (Federalist). Electoral vote margin: 39 EV; turnout 40.4%. The cycle falls in the First Party System era of American electoral history.
James Madison and the 1812 map
Madison won re-election during the early stages of the War of 1812 against Britain. His challenger, DeWitt Clinton of New York, ran as a fusion candidate backed by both anti-war Democratic-Republicans and Federalists. The election was competitive, with Clinton carrying most of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Madison's victory ensured continuation of the war effort, though the conflict would ultimately end in a draw with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814.
War of 1812 against Britain; trade and maritime rights
First election held during wartime; closest race of the era
States · 18 reporting
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