War hawk
Origins of the War of 1812 |
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In politics, a war hawk, or simply hawk, is someone who favors
Historical group
The term "war hawk" was coined in 1792 and was often used to ridicule politicians who favored a pro-war policy in peacetime. Historian
President James Madison set the legislative agenda for Congress, providing committees in the House of Representatives with policy recommendations to be introduced as bills on the House floor.[4] Nevertheless, he was regarded as a "timid soul" and tried to restrain the martial zeal of the War Hawks.[1]
Variations of the term
The term has also been expanded into "chicken hawk", referring to a war hawk who avoided military service.
The term "liberal hawk" is a derivation of the traditional phrase, in the sense that it denotes an individual with "socially liberal" inclinations coupled with an aggressive outlook on foreign policy.
In modern American usage "hawk" refers to a fierce advocate for a cause or policy, such as "deficit hawk" or "privacy hawk". It may also refer to a person or political leader who favors a strong or aggressive military policy, though not necessarily outright war.
See also
References
- ^ a b c Eaton, Clement (1957). Henry Clay and the Art of American Politics. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company. pp. 25.
- ^ Hickey, Donald R. (April 2014). "'War Hawks': Using Newspapers to Trace a Phrase, 1792-1812'". Journal of Military History. 78 (2): 725-740.
- JSTOR 10.5406/j.ctt3fh41c.
- JSTOR 1921716765.