APUSH 4.3 Politics and Regional Interests

Era of Good Feelings:
A period in American history during President James Monroe’s administration (1817-1825) characterized by a sense of national unity and political harmony, following the War of 1812. It was marked by the decline of the Federalist Party, leaving the Democratic-Republicans as the dominant party. However, beneath this unity were growing sectional tensions over slavery, tariffs, and internal improvements.

James Monroe:
The fifth president of the United States (1817–1825), known for presiding over the "Era of Good Feelings." His presidency is noted for the Monroe Doctrine, which opposed European colonization in the Americas, and for efforts to balance sectional interests, such as in the Missouri Compromise.

Sectionalism:
Loyalty to a specific region or section of the country (North, South, or West) rather than to the country as a whole. In the early 19th century, sectionalism grew due to economic differences, with the North focusing on industry, the South on agriculture (especially slavery), and the West on expansion.

Tariff of 1816:
The first protective tariff in U.S. history, designed to protect American manufacturing from British competition after the War of 1812. By raising the cost of imported goods, it encouraged Americans to buy domestically produced items, benefiting Northern industries but causing tension with Southern states that relied on cheap imports.

Protective Tariff:
A tax on imported goods designed to protect domestic industries by making foreign products more expensive. This helped developing American industries compete with more established European manufacturers.

Henry Clay:
A prominent U.S. statesman and orator known for his efforts to broker compromises between the North and South. He played a leading role in formulating the American System and was instrumental in the Missouri Compromise of 1820. He earned the nickname "The Great Compromiser" for his ability to ease sectional tensions.

American System:
An economic plan championed by Henry Clay that aimed to make the U.S. economically self-sufficient. It involved three key components: a protective tariff, a national bank (Second Bank of the United States), and federal funding for internal improvements like roads and canals to promote interstate commerce and bind the country together.

Second Bank of the United States:
A national bank chartered in 1816 to stabilize the currency and provide credit for businesses and the government. It played a major role in the economy but became controversial, especially during the Panic of 1819, when its policies were blamed for contributing to economic distress.

Panic of 1819:
The first major economic crisis in the U.S., caused by a sudden collapse in cotton prices and reckless lending by state banks and the Second Bank of the United States. It led to widespread foreclosures, unemployment, and a distrust of banks, fueling sectional tensions.

Tallmadge Amendment:
A proposed amendment in 1819 to a bill regarding Missouri's admission to the Union. It sought to prohibit the further introduction of slaves into Missouri and to gradually emancipate children born to enslaved parents. The amendment passed in the House but was blocked in the Senate, fueling the sectional crisis over slavery.

Missouri Compromise (1820):
A legislative agreement designed to balance the power between slave and free states. Missouri was admitted as a slave state, and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in the Senate. The compromise also established the 36°30′ line, prohibiting slavery in future territories north of this latitude (except Missouri). It temporarily eased tensions but did not resolve the underlying conflict over slavery.