War hawk facts for kids
In politics, a war hawk is someone who strongly supports going to war or making an existing conflict bigger. They are the opposite of "doves," who prefer peaceful solutions. These terms come from birds: hawks are hunters, while doves are often seen as a symbol of peace.
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Who Were the War Hawks?
The term "war hawk" was first used in 1792. It often described politicians who wanted war even when the country was at peace. Before 1811, American newspapers used the term many times. Most of these were from the Federalist Party, who warned against the foreign policy of the Democratic-Republican Party. Some Democratic-Republicans, like John Randolph of Roanoke, also used the term if they were against war.
Historians don't have an "official" list of War Hawks. They disagree on exactly who should be called one. However, most historians use the term for about one or two dozen members of the Twelfth Congress.
Key Leaders of the War Hawks
The main leader of this group was Henry Clay from Kentucky. He was the Speaker of the House at the time. Another important War Hawk was John C. Calhoun from South Carolina. Both Clay and Calhoun became very important figures in American politics for many years.
Other politicians often called War Hawks included:
- Richard Mentor Johnson of Kentucky
- William Lowndes of South Carolina
- Langdon Cheves of South Carolina
- Felix Grundy of Tennessee
- William W. Bibb of Georgia
President James Madison was in charge of setting the laws for Congress. He gave ideas to committees in the House of Representatives to become new laws. However, Madison was seen as someone who tried to calm down the War Hawks' strong desire for war.
What Does "Hawk" Mean Today?
Today, the word "hawk" is used more broadly. It can mean someone who strongly supports any cause or policy. For example, a "deficit hawk" wants to reduce government debt. A "privacy hawk" strongly supports protecting people's privacy.
The term "hawk" can also describe a political leader who favors a strong or aggressive military policy. This doesn't always mean they want war, but they believe in using military power when needed.
Other Types of "Hawks"
- Chicken hawk: This term describes a war hawk who avoided serving in the military themselves.
- Liberal hawk: This refers to someone who has socially liberal views but also supports an aggressive foreign policy.
