Age of Individualism and Transcendentalism

  • Introduction to the Age of Individualism and Transcendentalism
    • Follows previous discussions on defining the American republic, including the status of enslaved people and ongoing disagreements.
    • Focuses on the physical expansion of America and its cultural shifts.
  • The War of 1812 (1812−18151812-1815)
    • Causes:
    • Continuing conflicts with the British, entangled in the Napoleonic Wars (led by Napoleon, who sold Louisiana Territory to Thomas Jefferson for campaign funds).
    • British seizure of American ships delivering goods to France and French West Indies, forcing the U.S. to consider picking sides (historically, U.S. preferred neutrality and trading with both).
    • British support for Western Indian tribes attacking American frontier settlers.
    • President James Madison asked Congress to declare war against the British in June 18121812. Congress approved.
    • **Consequences (often deemed