Knowt
Adams & Monroe Doctrine & Corrupt Bargain
Development of Modern Democracy
The United States emerged as the world’s first modern mass democracy, characterized by the participation of a large electorate in the political process. This development coincided with the celebration of a new national culture that aimed to define and embody democratic ideals. Reform of governmental institutions was pursued to align more closely with these core democratic principles. Key interests of the U.S. during this period included:
Increasing foreign trade to enhance economic growth.
Expanding national borders through territorial acquisitions.
Maintaining isolation from the political conflicts of European nations. These interests shaped foreign policy and spurred initiatives from both government entities and private citizens.
U.S. Boundary Settlements
The agreements on boundary settlements came to fruition in 1818 and 1819, marking a significant diplomatic achievement between the United States and Great Britain. The Oregon Territory was claimed by both nations, leading to the Convention of 1818, which established a new northern border between the U.S. and British territories. Additionally, the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 defined the southwestern border of the United States with Spain, facilitating the expansion of U.S. territory.
International Concerns and Agreements
The Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817) was a pivotal treaty that limited the naval power of both the United States and Great Britain on the Great Lakes, reflecting a desire for peaceful relations. In the wake of Latin American nations achieving independence from Spain in 1821, there was growing concern over European powers potentially trying to reassert control in the region, as well as Russia’s interests in the northwestern U.S. John Quincy Adams articulated these concerns in his address to Congress, promoting U.S. support for the independence of Latin American nations, emphasizing non-military engagement.
The Monroe Doctrine (Introduction)
Implemented on December 2, 1823, the Monroe Doctrine was a landmark policy formulated through the collaboration of John Quincy Adams and President James Monroe. It aimed to protect American interests from European interference and asserted a new stance for the United States in the international arena.
Four Major Points of the Monroe Doctrine
The United States would not interfere in the internal affairs of European nations.
The United States would not interfere with existing European colonies in North and South America.
The Western Hemisphere was declared to be off-limits for any future European colonization efforts.
Any attempt by European powers to colonize or reestablish control in the Western Hemisphere would be regarded as a hostile act, warranting a response from the United States.
Context of the Monroe Doctrine
The doctrine was a clear declaration that the American continents were no longer available for European colonization, compelling the U.S. to take action against potential encroachments. It underscored the principle of mutual non-interference between Europe and the Americas, reshaping diplomatic relations.
Key Takeaways from the Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine fundamentally established an isolationist policy for the U.S. in relation to European affairs and addressed apprehensions surrounding Russia’s territorial ambitions in North America. Monroe’s policies represented a determined effort to safeguard American sovereignty and assert U.S. influence within the Western Hemisphere.
Political Figures and Corrupt Bargain
The political landscape surrounding the 1824 presidential election was shaped by key figures:
John Quincy Adams
William Crawford
Andrew Jackson
Henry Clay
The election result prompted significant discussion regarding the perception of a corrupt bargain, chiefly focusing on the controversial outcome.
Election Results Overview
The electoral performance and distribution of the popular vote in the 1824 election were as follows:
Andrew Jackson: 151,271 votes (41.3%)
John Quincy Adams: 113,122 votes (30.9%)
William Harris Crawford: 40,856 votes (11.2%)
Henry Clay: 47,531 votes (13.0%)
With a total of 365,833 votes cast, a minimum of 261 electoral votes were required to secure a win.
Detailed Electoral Vote Analysis
An analysis of the electoral votes revealed that while Jackson achieved a plurality, the subsequent election of Adams raised questions about the legitimacy of the outcome, reflecting discontent regarding the distribution of votes and overall voter turnout.
