Study Notes on President James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings

President James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings

Introduction

  • Overview of President James Monroe's presidency.
  • Focus on the period known as the Era of Good Feelings.

Election of 1816

  • Electoral Vote Breakdown:
    • New Hampshire: 8
    • Massachusetts: 22
    • New York: 34
    • Ohio: 8
    • New Jersey: 8
    • Virginia: 24
    • Total Voting: 217
    • Not Voting: 4
  • Democratic-Republican (Monroe) vs. Federalist (King) candidates.

The Virginia Dynasty

  • Historical context of the presidency:
    • First five presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe from Virginia.
    • Only John Adams was not from Virginia.
  • Virginia's dominance in the executive branch for 32 of the first 36 years of the U.S. government.

Era of Good Feelings (1815-1820s)

  • Period characterized by national unity and political stability.
  • Transportation Advancements:
    1. Turnpikes: Durable roads enhancing trade.
    2. Steamboats: Innovative boats allowing faster upstream travel (up to 10 MPH).
    3. Canals: Significant projects like the Erie Canal (linked Albany to Buffalo, facilitating western trade).
  • Economic Growth:
    • By 1815, U.S. exported 200,000 bales of cotton annually (doubling within five years).
    • Over 400 textile mills established.
  • Tariffs:
    • Taxes aimed to reduce European competition in U.S. markets.
    • Southern concerns regarding tariffs impacting cotton sales to Europe.
    • Funds to be used for internal improvements.

Henry Clay's American System (1816)

  • Proposed a comprehensive economic plan:
    1. Strong Banking System: Designed for easy and abundant credit.
    2. Protective Tariff: Aimed to protect eastern manufacturing, fostering growth.
    3. Federal Funding for Infrastructure: Money from tariffs and banks to improve roads and canals.

American System: Distribution of Benefits

  • West: Infrastructure improvements (roads and canals) funded federally.
  • East: Benefited from protective tariffs, ensuring manufacturing viability.
  • South: Felt neglected and unsure of their benefits.

Erie Canal

  • Vital for connecting western regions to New York City.
  • Major infrastructure project linking trade across regions:
    • Key routes: Genesee Valley Canal, Oswego Canal, Black River Canal, Chenango Canal, Champlain Canal.

Key Political Figures

  • Secretary of State: John Quincy Adams

Foreign Policy Developments

Convention of 1818 with England
  • Established the U.S.-Canada border and joint occupation of the Oregon Country.
Adams-Onis Treaty (1819)
  • After Andrew Jackson's intervention, the U.S. acquired Florida for $5 million.
    • Florida was seen as necessary due to its tumultuous situations involving Seminole Indians.
  • Treaty defined U.S. and Spanish boundaries, settling territorial disputes.

Westward Expansion and Treaties

  • Overview of American territorial disputes following the Louisiana Purchase and treaties with other nations.
  • Maps showing territorial claims and boundaries:
    • Oregon Country and European influences.

Financial Panic of 1819

  • Economic downturn leading to widespread distress among citizens.

The Missouri Question (1819)

  • Missouri's bid for statehood caused significant sectional tensions:
    • Controversy over whether to permit slavery or not.
    • Proposal by James Tallmadge to limit slavery in Missouri, causing backlash from southern states.
Tallmadge Amendment
  • Proposed ending slavery for future generations born in Missouri; passed in the House but blocked in the Senate.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

  • Crafted by Henry Clay:
    • Allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state but created Maine as a free state to maintain balance.
    • Enacted the 36°30' line, establishing a clear division between free and slave territories.

Election of 1820

  • Election Results:
  • President Monroe received overwhelming support, reflecting political unity.

Denmark Vesey Case

  • Attempted slave revolt plotted by Denmark Vesey in Charleston, SC.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

  • Formulated primarily by John Quincy Adams:
    • Stated that Europe should not establish new colonies in the Western Hemisphere.
    • Asserted U.S. non-interference in European affairs.
    • Warned for military action should Europe encroach upon the Americas.

Political Developments: Election of 1824 and Aftermath

  • 1824 Election:
    • Andrew Jackson received the most electoral and popular votes, but not a majority.
  • Decision went to the House of Representatives, where Henry Clay supported J.Q. Adams, leading to a controversial outcome (known as the "Dirty Deal").
Aftermath of the 1824 Election
  • Jackson’s disdain for Clay's influence resulted in political tension.

John Quincy Adams' Presidency

  • Focused on internal improvements; proposed funding for roads and canals.
  • Encountered resistance and criticism regarding tariffs and policies impacting southern states.
Tariff of Abominations (1828)
  • Significant protective tariff that angered southern states as it raised prices for imported goods.
Legacy and Criticism
  • Perceived as elitist due to ambitious projects like a national observatory and university.
  • Ongoing opposition led to hostility against Adams during his presidency.