Faced with different threats, one casual and domestic, the other formidable and foreign, both James Madison and Abraham Lincoln understood their audiences and attempted to exploit this knowledge. Despite the specific details of why the United States went to war with Great Britain in 1812 and the “so-called Confederate States” in 1861, the similarities in language and imagery are evident. In their respective speeches to Congress on the topic of impending or open war, both Presidents Madison and Lincoln attempt to appeal to the legislature's sense of patriotism, honor, and pride in justifying their actions or desires. Of the two, President Madison probably has the clearer and more easily justifiable reason for going to war with Great Britain. As he says, British ships "...continued to violate the American flag on the great highway of nations" (25) not harmlessly molesting them but "...seizing and carrying away the people sailing under it" (25 ). In other words, the British instituted a harsh and, in Madison's eyes, unreasonable policy to recklessly impress the sailors and citizens of the United States. In the first sentences of his speech, Madison has already set the stage by portraying Britain as the powerful aggressor and American ships and sailors as helpless, helpless victims. Of course the English not only engaged in violating the rights of “neutral ships” who “…would be so ready to avenge if committed against themselves” but also “…in violating the rights and peace of our coasts.” (26) Madison argues that the British are imposing a “sham blockade” because the British do not have an adequate force present or the “practicability of applying one.” Madi... middle of paper... yet the similarities remain surprising and fascinating. I have no doubt that examining similar discourses throughout the history of civilization would yield the same revelations. Both Presidents Madison and Lincoln attempt to galvanize the public into action by appealing to their innate sense of patriotism, duty, and pride. The prospect of war is never taken lightly and I believe both of these men understood this, Lincoln more than any previous president. Both men skillfully navigated a delicate political situation in similar ways, first and foremost presenting the country as a victim. This is something they both understood well. But Lincoln, more than Madison, also appealed to Congress's understanding of the law and the Constitution and how it affects all citizens. Lincoln was steadfast in his beliefs and clearly always went forward with a “manly heart”.]”.