4.3 Politics and Regional Interests

Who was president during the “era of good feelings”

James Monroe

why was it called the Era of Good Feelings

the years of Monroe were marked by nationalism, optimism and goodwill as the Federalists faded into oblivion and the Democratic Republicans dominated politics and adopted some of their policies

what are some areas of tension surrounding the so called “era of good feelings”

debates over taxes, internal improvements, the national bank and slavery

what were some successes under Monroe

the acquisition of Spanish Florida

agreement on Missouri compromise

adoption of Monroe Doctrine

Tariff of 1816

first protective tariff in US history, meant to protect US manufacturers from British competition post war of 1812. Manufacturers feared imports of British goods would hurt their business

Henry Clay’s American System

1. protective tariffs: promote American manufacturing

2. national bank: provides national currency

3. internal improvements: federally constructed roads and canals for connectivity

How did Monroe feel about internal improvements

because the constitution did not explicitly state that the government could construct internal improvements, he vetoed many acts of congress that would have provided funds for such projects

Panic of 1819

Second Bank of the United States tightened credit to control inflation. Many state banks closed, and unemployment, bankruptcies and imprisonment for debt increased sharply.

the depression hit who the hardest

The West, as many Americans had speculated on land after the war of 1812. The Bank of the United States foreclosed on large amounts of western farmland

reasons for westward movement

1. economic pressures: difficulties from the war and the embargo pushed some Americans to seek a better future across the Appalachians. Southerners needed to find new lands after having exhausted the soil at home

2. Acquisition of Lands: After the war of 1812, more western lands were open to white settlement

3. cheap land

4. improved transportation to the frontier via railroads, canals, and steamboats.

Tallmadge Amendment (proposed but not enacted)

1. prohibit further introduction of slaves into Missouri

2. require children of Missouri slaves to be emancipated at age 25

If enacted, southerners feared that this would lead to the abolition of slavery in all states. This was defeated in the senate by enraged southerners

Missouri Compromise

Missouri wanted to enter the union as a slave state which would have upset the balance of 11 free states and 11 slave states. To compromise, Henry Clay suggested:

1. Missouri enter as a slave state

2. admit maine as a free state

3. Prohibit slavery in the rest of the Louisiana Territory north of the 36’ 30 line