Video: 'History: The War of 1812 Documentary' (June 1, 1812 at 13:57)

(Monday, June 1, 1812) — U.S. President James Madison sent a “war message” to Congress today, recounting what he called Britain’s “series of acts hostile to the United States as an independent and neutral nation,” though not specifically calling for a declaration of war.

The House of Representatives quickly voted (79-49) to declare war, and the Senate did the same by 19 to 13. The War of 1812 would formally begin on June 18, 1812, when Madison signed the measure into law.

Tensions originated in long-standing differences over territorial expansion in North America and British support for Native American tribes who opposed US colonial settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Video: 'James Madison War Message to Congress June 1, 1812'

These escalated in 1807 after the Royal Navy began enforcing tighter restrictions on American trade with France, exacerbated by the impressment of men claimed as British subjects, even those with American citizenship certificates.

Opinion was split on how to respond, and although majorities in both the House and Senate voted for the war, they divided along strict party lines, with the Democratic-Republican Party in favor and the Federalist Party against.

News of British concessions made in an attempt to avoid war did not reach the U.S. until late July, by which time the conflict was already underway.