One who promotes aggressive intervention as the solution to international disputes. Hawks of war include anyone in a position of influence, e.g. media or political figures. Contrast with dove, which describes a person who seeks peace.

Hmmm. Though I'm ashamed to admit it, I actually learned something in US History. If you capitalize the phrase "war hawk", you'll wind up with one of the main US political factions involved in the War of 1812. While I'm not going to bother trying to explain the war itself (I'm not just being a lazy bastard- there's actually another node for that), I will ramble on about the War Hawks' motivations.

• The War Hawks were mainly from the West- the new lands. Manifest Destiny was starting to spread its wings, and (if you'll pardon the EDB quote) Canada looked tasty.
• They were facing the traditional Evil Nation of the times- England. Can you say, "grudge", Folks?
• Finally (since I can't remember anything else, anyway), they were young. When half of Congress happens to be comprised of doddering old men more eager for talk than action, you tend to get a little .... stir-crazy, as it were.

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