Question

Based on the information in the chart, why might Congress have been divided about declaring war on Britain? (1 point) Responses Southern representatives were less concerned about British interference in American shipping. Southern representatives were less concerned about British interference in American shipping. Some representatives were not convinced that the rumors about the Native American attacks were true. Some representatives were not convinced that the rumors about the Native American attacks were true. Members of Congress did not believe the American military could compete with the British military. Members of Congress did not believe the American military could compete with the British military. The War Hawks had more supporters in the House of Representatives than in the Senate

Answer 1

pick one only

Answer 2

Congress might have been divided about declaring war on Britain for several reasons, with the most likely explanation being that members had differing priorities and concerns based on their regional interests and perspectives. For instance:

- **Southern representatives were less concerned about British interference in American shipping:** Southern states relied heavily on trade and did not see British actions as a direct threat to their economic interests, leading to reluctance in supporting a declaration of war.

- **Some representatives were not convinced that the rumors about Native American attacks were true:** Doubts about the veracity of claims regarding Native American threats, which were used to justify war, created division among Congress members who wanted more concrete evidence before taking such a serious step.

- **Members of Congress did not believe the American military could compete with the British military:** Concerns about the military capabilities of the United States might have made some representatives hesitant to support a declaration of war, fearing that such actions could lead to significant losses.

- **The War Hawks had more supporters in the House of Representatives than in the Senate:** The differing levels of support for war between the two chambers could have made it difficult to reach a consensus, reflecting the overall division within Congress.

Each of these factors contributed to the complexity of the decision-making process in Congress regarding the war, as members wrestled with their convictions and the political implications of going to war.

Answer 3

One reason Congress might have been divided about declaring war on Britain is that **some representatives were not convinced that the rumors about the Native American attacks were true.** This skepticism regarding the justification for war could lead to differing opinions on whether military action was warranted, contributing to the division within Congress.