1815–1828 U.S. Nationalism, Sectionalism, and Political Changes

Nationalism & Sectionalism (1815-1828)

The period after the War of 1812 marked by rising national pride and growing regional differences.

Sectionalism

Differences between regions (Northeast, South, West) based on economy and interests.

Northeast Economy

Shipping, commerce, and trade.

Southern Economy

Slave-based agriculture.

Western Economy

Cheap land and transportation development.

Nationalism

Desire to promote national unity and interests over regional concerns.

Post-War of 1812 Changes

Republicans supported a stronger federal government, army, navy, national bank, and tariffs.

Second Bank of the United States (1816)

A national bank with a 20-year charter to stabilize the economy.

Tariff of 1816

A tax (20-25%) on imports to protect American industry.

Henry Clay

Leader who supported the American System and compromise.

John C. Calhoun

Supported tariffs and nationalism early on.

Supreme Court under John Marshall

Strengthened federal power and nationalism.

Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)

Ruled states cannot interfere with private contracts.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

States cannot tax federal institutions; federal law is supreme.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

Federal government controls interstate commerce.

Era of Good Feelings (1815-1825)

Time of political unity with one major party (Democratic-Republicans).

James Monroe

President during the Era of Good Feelings.

Key Feature of Era of Good Feelings

Strong nationalism, little political opposition.

Panic of 1819

Economic depression caused by speculation and falling cotton prices.

Impact of Panic of 1819

Hurt the South and increased distrust of the national bank.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Agreement to maintain balance between free and slave states.

Missouri

Admitted as a slave state.

Maine

Admitted as a free state.

36°30′ Line

Slavery banned north of this line in Louisiana Purchase (except Missouri).

Henry Clay ("Great Compromiser")

Helped resolve Missouri conflict and maintain balance.

Missouri Constitution Issue

Missouri tried to ban free Black people; compromise required rights protection.

Criticism of Missouri Compromise

North: expanded slavery; South: federal interference.

Rush-Bagot Treaty (1817)

Limited naval forces on the Great Lakes between U.S. and Britain.

Convention of 1818

Set U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel.

Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)

Spain gave Florida to the U.S.; U.S. gave up claims to Texas.

Florida Acquisition

U.S. gained control without direct payment but assumed claims up to $5 million.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

U.S. warned Europe not to colonize or interfere in the Americas.

Key Idea of Monroe Doctrine

Western Hemisphere closed to new European colonization.

Election of 1824

Candidates: Jackson, Adams, Clay, Crawford, Calhoun.

Andrew Jackson

Received most popular and electoral votes but not a majority.

House of Representatives Role

Chose the president due to no majority.

Corrupt Bargain

Clay supported Adams; Adams made Clay Secretary of State.

Jackson's Reaction

Claimed election was unfair and appealed to common people.

John Quincy Adams

President after 1824; supported nationalism but faced criticism.

New Party System

Division into National Republicans and Democrats.

National Republicans

Supported strong federal government, bank, and infrastructure.

Democrats

Supported states' rights and smaller federal government.

Election of 1828

Jackson defeated Adams in a highly negative campaign.

Jackson's Support

Base included common people, workers, and frontier settlers.

Adams' Criticism

Accused of corruption and elitism.