Chapter_9_-_Nationalism_&_Sectionalism

A New Nationalism and Sectionalism

• Post-War of 1812: Despite a developing sense of nationalism, sectionalism is growing among North, South, and West.

  • Political alignments shift between North-West and South-West leading to tensions.

Key Political Figures of the Early 19th Century

• Introduction to five major political leaders shaping the era:

  • John Marshall: Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

  • Andrew Jackson: Gained notoriety for military victories, seen as the next national hero.

  • Henry Clay: Representative of the West from Kentucky, noted for:

    • Building coalitions and promoting the American System (national bank, protective tariffs, internal improvements).

    • Serving in Congress and as Speaker of the House.

  • John C. Calhoun: Represents the South from South Carolina; initially a nationalist but evolves into a strong proponent of state's rights.

  • Daniel Webster: Advocated for the North, shifting from state's rights to a nationalist perspective over his career.

Henry Clay's American System

• Banking and Economic Strategies:

  • Clay pushed for a new national bank (Second Bank of the United States) established in 1816 after the War of 1812.

  • Implementation of protective tariffs to support American industry.

  • Focus on internal improvements, although met with sectional opposition due to differing regional benefits.

Major Economic Challenges

• Panic of 1819: Triggered by a financial crisis, leading to bank failures and economic depression.

  • Cotton prices decline, European markets begin to self-sustain, reducing dependence on American agriculture.

• Discussion about the federal government's role in managing financial crises arises during this period.

The Missouri Compromise

• 1820 crisis arising from Missouri's application for statehood as a slave state, threatening political balance.

  • Henry Clay: Becomes known as the Great Compromiser for proposing:

    • Admission of Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

    • Establishment of the 36°30′ parallel to divide future states into free and slave regions.

Political Realignment and the Election of 1824

• Transition from a one-party system to a developing two-party system after decline of the Federalists.

• Election of 1824: Andrew Jackson wins popular vote but no candidate secures enough electoral votes leading to decision by the House of Representatives.

  • Corrupt Bargain: John Quincy Adams is elected with support from Henry Clay in the House, leading to public perception of corruption.

Jacksonian Democracy and the Election of 1828

• Emergence of a more organized political system with focus on voter mobilization.

• Expansion of voting rights with the repeal of property requirements, enabling broader participation in politics.

• Jackson's election characterized by populism, portraying himself as the champion of the common man.

• Significant tensions over tariffs, especially the Tariff of Abominations, raising sectional conflicts.

Andrew Jackson's Presidency

• Inaugural festivities at the White House symbolizing a break from elitism, inviting all citizens to participate.

• Jackson's election marks a significant shift in American politics, setting the stage for subsequent chapters in history.