New Nationalism & Good Feelings

New Nationalism and Good Feelings

Introduction to the Era of Nationalism

Following the War of 1812, the United States entered a period marked by strong nationalism, characterized by a profound sense of pride in national identity and unity among its citizens. This era is often referred to as the Era of Good Feelings, which signified a temporary cessation of the deep political divisions that had previously characterized American politics.

Market Revolution Innovations

Innovations Ranking

The Market Revolution brought about significant innovations that transformed the economy:

• Steam Ships: Enabled faster and more reliable transportation across extensive waterways, facilitating trade and travel.

• Roads: Improvements in road construction allowed for better land transport, connecting rural areas with urban markets.

• Canals: Construction of canals like the Erie Canal greatly enhanced trade efficiency by linking inland areas to coastal ports.

• Cotton Gin: Invented by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin revolutionized cotton production, significantly increasing the efficiency of harvesting cotton and bolstering the economy of the southern states.

• Factory System: This new manufacturing method centralized production processes, allowing for mass production and reducing costs.

• Interchangeable Parts: Standardization of parts improved the efficiency of manufacturing, particularly in the arms industry, making repairs and production quicker.

• Telegraphs: The introduction of the telegraph transformed long-distance communication, allowing for instantaneous transmission of information.

• Railroads: The expansion of railroads revolutionized land transportation and trade networks by dramatically increasing the speed and volume of goods transport.

Nationalism Post-War of 1812

Survival and Growth of Nationalism

The post-war environment saw nationalism thrive as it gained respect from foreign nations, projecting an image of a strong, unified country. Key developments included:

• Federalist Decline: The Federalist Party diminished in influence after the war, largely due to their opposition to the war and failure to adapt to the shifting political landscape.

• Native American Land Loss: Expansionist policies led to significant loss of lands for Native Americans, as settlers moved westward into territories historically inhabited by indigenous peoples.

• Emergence of Factories: The war prompted the establishment of factories in the U.S. as an alternative to British imports, leading to economic independence.

• War Heroes: Figures such as Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison emerged as national heroes, celebrated for their military leadership and contributions to American pride.

• Era of Good Feelings: Characterized by a nationalistic fervor that inspired the movement westward and fostered a burgeoning national market, albeit alongside growing sectional tensions.

• Sectionalism vs. Nationalism: The era faced challenges from sectional interests, as various regions prioritized their own economic and political needs over national unity, leading to social and political opposition.

Election of 1816 and the Era of Good Feelings

Key Political Dynamics

The Election of 1816 was significant, illustrating the political climate:

• 'Knee Britches' President: James Monroe, who was often referred to by this nickname, represented a traditional leadership style aligned with the values of the time.

• Virginia Dynasty: Monroe emerged from a lineage of influential Virginia statesmen, showing the dominance of Virginia in early national politics.

• Prominent Cabinet Members: Monroe's administration included notable figures such as John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State), William H. Crawford (Secretary of Treasury), and John C. Calhoun (Secretary of War), who played crucial roles in shaping policies during this period.

• Good Will Tour: Monroe's tour of New England aimed to promote unity and display goodwill among different regions of the country following years of division.

• Protective Tariffs & National Bank: The era also sparked debates over protective tariffs intended to shield American industries from foreign competition and discussions on the necessity of a national bank to support infrastructure improvements.

The Monkey System Cartoon

Henry Clay and the American System

In 1831, a political cartoon depicted Henry Clay’s American System:

• Monkey Metaphor: The cartoon criticized Clay’s economic strategy through a monkey metaphor, illustrating chaos among competing economic sectors as they vied for resources, shedding light on the disarray that often emerged from divergent interests.

Building a National Market

Economic Infrastructure and Growth

Key elements in constructing a national market:

• Banking and Currency: The Second Bank of the United States played a vital role in stabilizing the economy and ensuring a reliable currency for commerce.

• Textile Industry Growth: The advancements in textile production reflected the country's shift toward industrialization, significantly impacting economic dynamics within the U.S.

• Protective Tariffs: The introduction of tariffs served to protect burgeoning American industries from foreign competition, fostering domestic growth.

• Government-funded Transportation: Investments in infrastructure like roads and steamboats were critical in establishing connections; however, debates over funding for internal improvements showcased the divide in achieving national versus local priorities.

• Crisis of Slavery: The expanding economy intensified discussions around slavery, as new territories raised questions about the extension of this institution.

Panic of 1819

Financial Crisis

The Panic of 1819 was a significant economic downturn:

• Financial Instability: Without a strong national bank, the economy faced instability and challenges, leading to widespread loan defaults.

• Consequences: Bank failures ensued, resulting in increased unemployment and hardship for many Americans.

• Economic Causes: Factors contributing to the crisis included rising tariffs, speculative land dealings, and hard money policies that created a delicate financial environment.

• Suggested Solutions: Discussions arose regarding policies to stabilize the economy, highlighting the growing concern over financial regulation.

Westward Expansion

Motivations and Effects

Westward migration during this time was driven by various factors:

• Reasons for Expansion: Economic opportunities, availability of land, and the promise of new resources motivated many to move west.

• Factor and Plantation Systems: The establishment of factor systems emerged, particularly in the Southwest, catering to cotton production and escalating the link between agriculture and slavery.

• Cotton Growth and Slavery: The growth of cotton production was tied intricately to the expansion of slavery, highlighting the economic dependencies of the southern states.

• Fur Trade: The fur trade was another significant economic activity, with John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company playing a pivotal role in this sector.

• Stephen Long’s Expedition: His exploration defined the West as the “Great American Desert,” influencing perceptions of the region and settling patterns.

First Seminole War

Conflict Overview

The First Seminole War reflected tensions in Florida:

• Conflict Dynamics: Escaped slaves and Native Americans clashed with southern settlers, leading to increased hostilities in the region.

• Roles of General Andrew Jackson: Lead military actions that resulted in the capture of several Spanish forts, asserting U.S. interests in Florida.

• Adams-Onis Treaty: This treaty culminated from these conflicts, leading to Spain’s cession of Florida to the United States in 1821, furthering U.S. territorial expansion.

Sectionalism and Nationalism

The Missouri Compromise

Key tensions highlighted:

• Missouri Compromise: Addressed the balance of slave and free states, reflecting the growing sectional tensions regarding slavery’s expansion.

• Tallmadge Amendment: Proposed limitations on slavery in Missouri, which ignited debates on the future of slavery in new states.

• Thomas Amendment: Discussed various amendments concerning the admission of Missouri in the context of slave versus free states.

Nationalism vs. Sectionalism in the Courts

Impact of the Marshall Court

Key Supreme Court rulings that shaped the nation:

• Dartmouth College v. Woodward: Confirmed the implied powers favored by federal authority.

• Worcester v. Georgia: Asserted federal primacy in dealings with Native American tribes, establishing the framework for U.S. Indian policy.

• Monroe Doctrine: This doctrine laid the foundation for American foreign policy, asserting opposition to European colonization in the Americas and establishing a sphere of influence for the U.S.

The Revival of Opposition

Political Divisions in the Early 1820s

Emerging political dynamics:

• Political Divisions: New parties formed, reflecting diverging interests and increasing political tensions.

• Corrupt Bargain: Allegations arose about a deal made during the Election of 1824, undermining public trust in the democratic process.

• Election of 1824 Outcomes: The contentious electoral results highlighted divisions among candidates (Jackson, Adams, Crawford, and Clay), as Jackson’s supporters felt betrayed despite his popularity, leading to increased political strife.