History A National Identity Review Guide

Materials

  • The Coming of War (purple)
  • Points of View on the War (tan)
  • The War of 1812 (blue)
  • The Era of Good Feelings (salmon)
  • American Culture (green)
  • The Monroe Doctrine (yellow)
  • A. Jackson & Growth of Am. Democracy (pink)
  • Native Am Resettlement: Trail of Tears (white)
  • Andrew Jackson: Commoner or King? (beige)

Format

  • Matching (terms)
  • True or False (concepts)
  • Short Answer (concepts, understanding)
  • Essay (Andrew Jackson)

Terms/Names/Dates

  • James Madison

    • 4th President of the US

  • Neutral

    • Not taking sides

  • Export/Import

    • Export: sending goods out
    • Import: bringing goods into a country

  • Impressment

    • Kidnapping and forcing sailors from one country to serve in another

  • Tecumseh

    • A Shawnee chief who united Native Americans and warned them about the dangers they faced from settlers.

  • War Hawks

    • Those who called for war against Britain, believing it was the only remedy to British insults.

Concepts/Ideas

  • Why did the first three presidents work hard to keep the US out of war?

    • Ongoing debt payments.
    • Insufficient navy and army.
    • Weak international relationships.

  • How did merchant trade and violations of American neutrality add to the tension and conflict with Britain?

    • The war between Britain and France hindered American trade, as both nations passed laws limiting American merchants from trading.

  • How did the situation in the Northwest Territory contribute to tension and conflict with Britain?

    • American settlers encroached on Native American land.
    • British supplied Native Americans with weapons, inciting American anger and fear of invasion.
    • Impression of American sailors increased merchant tensions.

  • War Hawks' Views and Goals (Democratic-Republicans)

    • Advocated war as the only solution to British insults.
    • Aimed to eliminate British influence on Native Americans and to invade Canada for more territory.

  • Opposition to War (Federalists)

    • Desired to renew business ties with Britain.
    • Feared that the US was not ready for conflict against a powerful military.
    • Recognized that America's military capacity paled in comparison to Britain's.

  • Factors Affecting Perspectives on War

    • Individual identity
    • Geographic location
    • Professions
    • Past experiences

Dates of the War of 1812

  • 1812-1814
    • A conflict between the US and Britain arising from disrespect and trade interference.

Reality of the US vs Goals in the War

  • Lack of manufacturing capability
  • Small, inexperienced military with poor training
  • Absence of a coherent war strategy
  • Weaknesses: Limited size, strength.
  • Strengths: Well-trained sailors, faster ships than British counterparts.
  • British military commitment against the French stretched resources thin.

Progress During the War

  • No significant territorial gains or losses.

British Blockade

  • A strategy to halt supplies to the US, disrupting trade and leading to food and supply shortages in the US by 1813.

Burning of Washington D.C.

  • A humiliating moment as it marked the first foreign capture and occupation of the US capital.

Effects of Battles

  • Fort McHenry: Demonstrated US military resolve, rekindled national pride.
  • New Orleans: Affirmed American capability to defeat the British.

Treaty of Ghent

  • Restored pre-war conditions; no territorial gains or losses.

Effects of the War of 1812

  • Increased sense of national pride: The US stood up to Britain.
  • Strengthened military: Highlighted the necessity of a robust army and navy.
  • Expansion of manufacturing: Trade disruptions spurred domestic product creation.
  • Developed a sense of independence from Europe.

James Monroe

  • President during the Era of Good Feelings

Era of Good Feelings

  • Characterized by national peace, increased sovereignty, economic prosperity, progress, and national pride.

Tariff

  • A tax applied to imported goods aimed at enhancing local manufacturing.

Contributions to the Era of Good Feelings

  • Peace: End of war provided stability and respect.
  • Position: Strengthened diplomatic ties and established standing as an independent nation.
  • Prosperity: Growth in domestic manufacturing led to economic independence.
  • Progress: Infrastructure development (roads, waterways) boosted trade and communication.
  • Pride: Rise in nationalism reflected in literature, the arts, and various cultural domains.

Impact of the War of 1812 on Manufacturing

  • Accelerated development of US manufacturing capabilities.

Tariff's Impact on Economy

  • Raised costs for foreign goods, encouraging purchase of domestic products.

Transportation Improvements

  • Enhanced trade capabilities and economic growth through development of roads and waterways like the Erie Canal.

New American Pride's Cultural Influence

  • National pride manifested distinctly in literature, art, music, and education.

The Monroe Doctrine

  • A strategic policy regarding international relations emphasizing low interaction with Europe.
  • Key tenets:
    1. No interference in European affairs.
    2. Acknowledgment of existing European colonies in the Americas.
    3. Prevention of future colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
    4. Any colonial attempt would be construed as a threat.

Significance of the Monroe Doctrine

  • Reinforced US sovereignty and independence; portrayed the nation as capable of self-defense and diplomatic resolution.

Andrew Jackson and Democracy

  • Jackson represented a democratic shift, becoming known as the president of the common man, connecting with the working class and expanding political participation.

Kitchen Cabinet

  • Jackson’s informal advisors comprising trusted friends and political supporters who influenced substantial decisions.

Spoils System

  • The practice of rewarding supporters with government jobs, emphasizing loyalty over competency.

Nullification

  • The rejection of a law considered unconstitutional or unjust.

Indian Removal Act of 1830

  • Mandated the displacement of Native Americans from ancestral lands to designated western territories.

Trail of Tears

  • The forced migration of Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee, leading to significant loss of life and cultural dislocation.

Controversies Surrounding Jackson's Presidency

  • A divided legacy portraying Jackson as both a champion of the common man and a figure of authoritarian potential.

Regional Perceptions on Tariffs

  • Northern states favored increased tariffs due to manufacturing benefits, while Southern states opposed them, fearing economic impacts on cotton sales.

Context of Native American Relocation

  • Jackson argued Native Americans were inept at self-governance; expansionist policies prioritized agricultural interests of settlers.

Pros and Cons of Jackson's Leadership

  • Hero of the Common Man:

    • Background of overcoming poverty, perceived as a war hero, promotion of wider electoral participation.
    • Initiation of voting rights expansion beyond property-owning white men.

  • King Andrew:

    • Centralization of power in the executive branch, permitting his expansionist policies and practices that undermined democratic principles.

Final Thoughts

  • Jackson's presidency invites debate on the balance between populism and authoritarianism, each perspective revealing the complexities of early American democracy.