Which group in Congress was advocating for war with Britain leading up to the War of 1812?

The group in Congress advocating for war with Britain leading up to the War of 1812 is correctly identified as the War Hawks. This term describes a faction of young and fervent Congress members, primarily from the Democratic-Republican Party, who were ardently pushing for military action against Britain. Their motivations included grievances related to trade restrictions imposed by Britain, impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, and British support for Native American attacks on American frontier settlements.

The War Hawks believed that a war with Britain would not only be a means of defending American sovereignty but also an opportunity to expand the nation’s territory, particularly into Canada. Their influence was significant during the period preceding the War of 1812, as they rallied support and worked to shape public opinion around the necessity of armed conflict to protect American interests.

Understanding the context of this era highlights the distinct views of different groups, such as the Federalists, who were generally more inclined towards diplomacy and were often opposed to the war, and the Neutralists, who sought to maintain peace and avoid entanglement in foreign conflicts. The advocacy for war by the War Hawks ultimately culminated in the United States declaring war on Britain in 1812.