Why were the Federalists in the Congress opposed to war against the British in 1812? A. They didn't support war to protect US trade rights and freedom of the seas. B. They hadn't developed a sense of nationalism and felt an affinity to Britain. C. They didn't support war against Canada and alliance with France. D. They weren't willing to support any motion passed by the Republicans.
The Federalists opposed the War of 1812 because the policies of the opposing party that declared war, headed by Thomas Jefferson and later headed by James Madison, brought the Federalist stronghold of New England to the verge of destitution.