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.