Events: Thomas Jefferson's election to Seneca Falls Convention
Theme: Emergence of American identity with multiple competing identities.
Major Themes
Foreign Policy & Economic Policy: Focus on expansion and war as key themes.
U.S. Global Positioning
Desire for Respect: U.S. aimed to be recognized as a world power.
Foreign Trade Issues:
- Embargo Act: Failed to protect U.S. interests, hurting economy.
- Non-Intercourse Act: Limited trade with Britain and France but had limited success.
Territorial Expansion:
- Adams-Onis Treaty (1819): U.S. gained Florida; defined borders with Spain.
- Anglo-American Convention (1818): Joint occupation of Oregon.
- War of 1812: Stalemate that elevated U.S. national pride.
Monroe Doctrine: Asserted Western Hemisphere as U.S. sphere of influence.
Economic Transformation
Market Revolution: Transition from agricultural subsistence to industrial economy.
Causes:
1. Factory System: Birth of textile factories (Samuel Slater, Eli Whitney).
2. New Technologies: Steam engines, telegraphs, mechanical reaper (Cyrus McCormick).
3. Infrastructure Development: Roads (Cumberland Road), canals (Eerie Canal), and railroads.
4. Urbanization & Immigration: Increase in population in urban areas, especially from European immigrants.
Political Development
Democracy: Election of Jefferson marked first peaceful transfer of power.
Federal vs. State Power: Ongoing debates characterized this period (e.g. Embargo Act, Louisiana Purchase).
Political Parties: Decline of Federalists and emergence of Democrats (Andrew Jackson) and National Republicans (Henry Clay) during election of 1828.
Voter Expansion: Move towards universal white male suffrage, especially post-Panic of 1819.
Social Changes
Emergence of Social Classes:
1. Business Elite: Wealthiest, often factory owners.
2. Middle Class: New professional class with distinct roles (gender roles emerged).
3. Working Class: Many immigrants; poor conditions leading to organized labor movements.
Cultural Developments
National Identity in Art and Philosophy: Post-War of 1812 nationalism drove arts (Romanticism) and new philosophical movements (Transcendentalism).
Social Reform Movements
Second Great Awakening: Religious revival emphasizing societal reform.
Utopian Societies: Movements like the Onida community focused on social reformation.
Temperance Movement: Sought to reduce alcohol consumption, rooted in middle-class concerns.
Women's Rights Movement: Emerged from abolition efforts; Seneca Falls Convention (1848) argued for equality.
Regional Concerns
Tensions Between North and South: Increasing division over slavery with different economic systems.
Missouri Compromise (1820): Addressed balance of power between slave and free states.
Abolition Movements in North: Growth of various movements opposed to slavery contrasted with southern entrenchment in the institution.