Amsco chapter 08

Introduction to Nationalism and Economic Development (1816-1848)

• Nationalist sentiment and economic growth characterized the period following the War of 1812.

• Hezekiah Niles highlighted a prevalent national character emphasizing preservation of religion and liberty.

The Era of Good Feelings

Context

• James Monroe's election in 1816 marked the beginning of this era, which was portrayed as one of unity and optimism.

• The term "Era of Good Feelings" was coined to describe the nationalistic spirit that dominated Monroe's presidency.

Political Landscape

• The Federalist party declined, with the Democratic-Republicans adopting some of their policies.

• However, the era was marked by political divisions over tariffs, the national bank, internal improvements, and slavery.

• Key Issue: The idea of political unity was complex, with internal factions emerging within the Democratic-Republican party.

James Monroe

Biography

• Involved in the Revolutionary War and held significant political roles including Secretary of State.

• Monroe overwhelmingly won the 1816 election against Federalist Rufus King.

Nationalism under Monroe

• Promoted expansionism, resulting in the acquisition of Florida, the Missouri Compromise, and the Monroe Doctrine.

Cultural Nationalism

• The younger generation embraced optimism and expansion, showing little interest in European affairs.

• Nationalistic themes were pervasive in art, literature, and education, shaping American identity.

• Notable Contributors: Artists like Gilbert Stuart and authors like Parson Mason Weems.

Economic Nationalism

Overview

• Key aspect: Political initiatives supporting economic growth, such as internal improvements and protecting local industries.

Tariff of 1816

• Congress raised tariffs to protect American manufacturers post-War of 1812, acting as the first protective tariff in U.S. history.

• New England opposed this tariff due to lack of manufacturing but received support from the South and West for national prosperity.

Henry Clay's American System

• Proposed by Henry Clay, emphasizing three components: protective tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

• Clay argued this would benefit all regions economically, though internal improvements faced constitutional objections from presidents Madison and Monroe.

The Panic of 1819

• Marked the end of the Era of Good Feelings, creating a financial crisis primarily due to the Second Bank of the United States tightening credit.

• Led to increased unemployment and foreclosures, particularly impacting the West.

• Resulted in a shift in political attitudes, with calls for land reform and opposition to the national bank.

Political Shifts

Decline of the Federalists

• Federalist Party's failure to adapt led to its decline after 1816.

Democratic-Republican Party Changes

• Internal divisions emerged as the party morphed under changing political landscapes, with noted figures reversing previous positions.

Supreme Court Influence

John Marshall's Court

• Chief Justice John Marshall promoted federal power and property rights.

• Landmark Cases:

  • Marbury v. Madison (1803): Established judicial review.

  • Fletcher v. Peck (1810): Declared state law unconstitutional.

  • Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819): Protected private contracts from state alteration.

  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1819): Strengthened federal authority over states.

  • Gibbons v. Ogden (1824): Affirmed federal control over interstate commerce.

Western Settlement and the Missouri Compromise

Westward Expansion

• Significant movement to the West due to land acquisition, economic pressures, and transportation improvements.

Missouri Compromise

• Purpose: Address the spread of slavery and maintain balance in Congress.

• Key Provisions: Admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state; prohibited slavery north of latitude 36° 30'.

Foreign Affairs Post-War of 1812

Expansion of Nationalism

• U.S. adopted an assertive foreign policy.

• Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817): Limited naval armaments on the Great Lakes.

• Treaty of 1818: Settled territorial disputes with Britain.

Acquisition of Florida

• General Andrew Jackson's military campaign in Florida resulted in the Florida Purchase Treaty (1819), transferring Florida to the U.S.

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

• Asserted U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas.

• Marked a defining moment in U.S. foreign policy.

Economic Transformation

Industrial Growth

• Economic changes resulted from population growth, transportation advancements, and manufacturing expansion.

Population Dynamics

• Significant growth in population driven by birth rates and immigration.

Transportation Revolution

• Building of roads, canals (e.g., Erie Canal), steamboats, and railroads transformed commerce and connectivity.

Growth of the Factory System

• Manufacturing overtook agriculture in value as the industrial revolution took hold.

Labor Issues

• Tensions over long hours and poor conditions led to the emergence of trade unions against a backdrop of child labor and female workers—a transformation that left many women employed in limited roles.

Commercial Agriculture

• Transition to cash crops driven by cheap land, credit availability, and improved transportation to new markets.

The Effects of the Market Revolution

• Resulted in specialization in farming, urban growth, and increased interdependence, altering traditional lifestyles and family structures.

• Women: Experienced changing roles with limited job opportunities.

• Slavery: Despite expectations of decline, the cotton industry’s expansion reinvigorated slavery, complicating national debates on the issue.

Conclusion: Growing National Tensions

• The period witnessed the growth of nationalism and economic development but was fraught with conflicts arising from sectionalism and differing regional interests.