"War Democrats" were a faction of the Democratic Party during the American Civil War who supported the war effort against the Confederacy. They believed in preserving the Union and were in favor of using military force to achieve this goal. Their stance often put them at odds with the more pacifist members of their party, known as "Peace Democrats." This group primarily consisted of politicians and citizens from the northern states who felt that a strong response was necessary to combat the rebellion. Prominent figures among the War Democrats included President Andrew Johnson and General George B. McClellan, who advocated for a vigorous military approach.