USH Review Questions

What were the three pillars of Henry Clay’s American System and what was he trying to achieve with it?

The three pillars were: 1. A protective tariff; 2. A national bank; 3. Federal subsidies for internal improvements (roads, canals). He aimed to create a strong, self-sufficient, and unified national economy.

Describe the problems of transportation in the United States after the War of 1812 and their impact on the American economy.

After 1812, the U.S. had rudimentary roads and few canals, making transportation slow, expensive, and inefficient. This severely limited economic growth, restricted market access for goods, and hindered national unity, highlighting the urgent need for internal improvements.

Why is the post-war decade referred to as the “Era of Good Feelings?” How well does the name fit the time period?

The 'Era of Good Feelings' (approx. 1815-1825) describes a period of national unity and reduced partisan conflict after the War of 1812, largely due to the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party. However, the name is somewhat misleading as significant underlying tensions over economic policies, slavery, and sectionalism persisted, foreshadowing future political divisions.

Describe the nationalist foreign policy of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams.

Their nationalist foreign policy focused on asserting U.S. interests and preventing European interference in the Americas. Key elements included the Monroe Doctrine, which warned European powers against further colonization or intervention, and the acquisition of Florida through the Adams-Onís Treaty.

Describe the issues leading to the Missouri Crisis. Did the Compromise resolve those issues?

The Missouri Crisis arose when Missouri sought statehood as a slave state, threatening the balance of power between free and slave states in the Senate. The Missouri Compromise (1820) admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, prohibiting slavery north of 36∘30′36∘30′ latitude in the Louisiana Purchase. This only temporarily postponed the conflict over slavery's expansion and did not resolve the fundamental sectional divisions.