Why were Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, and other members of the House of Representatives known as the War Hawks?

Question

A.
They had been heroes in the American Revolutionary War.
B.
They were eager to start a war against France.
C.
They were eager to declare war on Great Britain.
D.
They only wanted the U.S. to fight if it had been attacked.

Answer 1

C. They were eager to declare war on Great Britain.

The term "War Hawks" refers to a group of Congressional leaders, including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, who were advocates for war against Great Britain in the lead-up to the War of 1812. They believed that military action was necessary to defend American honor and interests, particularly in response to British interference with American shipping and support for Native American resistance against American expansion.