Video: 'History Documentary The War of 1812' (June 1812 at 13:58)

(Thursday, June 18, 1812; during the War of 1812) — Motivated by a desire to uphold national honor in the face of what was considered to be British insults, the War of 1812 began today as the United States Congress approved, and President James Madison signed, a declaration of war against Britain.

On June 1, 1812, Madison sent a message to Congress recounting American grievances against Great Britain, though not specifically calling for a declaration of war.

The House of Representatives then deliberated for four days behind closed doors before voting 79 to 49 (61%) in favor of the first declaration of war. The Senate concurred in the declaration by a 19 to 13 (59%) vote in favor.

Video: 'When The USA Declared War On Britain | War of 1812 | War Stories'

The declaration focused mostly on maritime issues, especially involving British blockades, with two-thirds of the indictment devoted to such impositions, initiated by Britain’s Orders in Council.

This was the first time that the United States had declared war on another nation and the Congressional vote was the closest vote in American history to formally declare war. None of the 39 Federalists in Congress voted in favor of the war, while other critics referred to it as “Mr. Madison’s War.”