In the 1808 presidential election, Madison easily defeated the Federalist candidate, diplomat Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. George Clinton, vice president under Jefferson, became Madison's vice president.
Madison's presidency was dominated by growing tensions with the governments of France and Britain. By 1810 the ineffectual trade boycott was abandoned. However, if either nation dropped its restrictions on American shipping, Madison was authorized to again prohibit trade with the other.
In November 1810 Madison halted trade with Britain when he was tricked by the French into believing that France was renouncing its policy of intercepting American ships. War had now become likely with Britain. This was due, however, as much to the American ambition to expand U.S. territory as to the controversy over shipping rights. In April 1812, Madison learned that no concession toward settlement was forthcoming from the British. Congress complied when he asked for an embargo against Britain. When it expired in June, and no progress had been made, Madison urged Congress to declare war. On June 18 Madison signed a declaration of war passed by both houses of Congress. Unknown to Madison, Britain had revoked its restrictions on American shipping on June 16.
The United States was ill prepared for the War of 1812, and Madison did not possess the qualities necessary for organizing an effective war machine. Madison's efforts were also hampered by a widespread lack of enthusiasm for the war. During the presidential election of 1812, the war was the primary issue of the campaign. Opposed by Governor De Witt Clinton of New York, Madison was criticized for carrying on the war and for not pursuing it more successfully.