Final answer:
The War Hawks represented southern and western states and were led by Henry Clay of Kentucky in the Senate and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina in the House of Representatives. They advocated for war against Britain in reaction to maritime grievances and supported national economic growth after the war with the American System.
Step-by-step explanation:
The War Hawks were a group of young, nationalistic members of Congress who were influential in the lead-up to the War of 1812. They largely represented the southern and western states of the United States. Key among these War Hawks were Henry Clay from Kentucky, who was the leader in the Senate, and John C. Calhoun from South Carolina, who led in the House of Representatives. The War Hawks were particularly vocal against British interference with American maritime activities and the impressment of American sailors, as well as British support of Native American resistance against American expansion.
Opposition to the War Hawks' calls for war mostly came from Federalists in the Northeast, who were concerned about the adverse effects the conflict would have on maritime trade. Despite their opposition, the War Hawks succeeded in garnering enough support, and Congress narrowly voted to authorize the president to declare war against Britain in June of 1812. Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun were integral in the nationalist movements following the war as well, introducing measures like the American System, which included the establishment of a national bank, the imposition of protective tariffs, and funding for internal improvements to further economic growth in the post-war United States.