Dominance of the Republicans

1. Dominance of the Republicans Nationalism & Economic Developments 1812-1819

2. War of 1812 Overview • U.S. waged war hoping that Napoleon would continue success in Europe • Invasion of Canada • Attacked from Detroit, Niagara, Lake Champlain • Poorly equipped, easily defeated • Some naval successes (USS Constitution) • Fighting on Lake Champlain, Brits abandon plans to attack New York & New England

3. War of 1812 Overview • By spring of 1814, Napoleon defeated by British, who send more troops to North America • Attack Washington, D.C. • Burn the capitol, White House, try to take Baltimore, defended by Ft. McHenry • After a night of bombardment of flaring rockets, bursting bombs, the fort holds • Might make a good song someday • Emergence of General Andrew Jackson, who led frontiersmen fighters in the South • Hero of the Battle of New Orleans • Too bad it came 2 weeks after a treaty was signed

4. Treaty of Ghent • British tired after a decade of war with Napoleon • Madison realizes there will be no decisive American victory • Christmas Eve 1814, peace terms decided upon by both sides (Treaty of Ghent) • Halt to the fighting • Return of territory to prewar claimant • Recognition of Canada/U.S. prewar boundary • No decision on impressment, blockades • Stalemate

5. The Hartford Convention • New England states were very upset with Madison’s decision to go to war • “Mr. Madison’s war” • Many Federalists in New England • Special convention held in Hartford, CT in December 1814 to discuss Radical Federalists’ proposal to amend the Constitution and possibly secede from the Union

6. The Hartford Convention • Delegates from the New England states reject the secession talk at the convention • Adopt proposals including calling for a 2/3 majority of both houses for any declaration of war • Right after convention, news of Jackson and the Treaty of Ghent become known • Federalists now look unpatriotic—their party is left effectively without power, and they disappear from the political scene

7. The Era of Good Feelings • James Monroe, prominent Virginia Republican, elected in 1816. • Virginia Dynasty—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe • Federalists decline as a formal opponent, leaving Republicans in charge • On the surface—everyone agrees, nationalism from the War of 1812, optimism as a country • GOOD FEELINGS!

8. Cultural Nationalism • Many young Americans who had voted for Monroe felt that the U.S. had unlimited potential for prosperity • War of 1812 marks final break with Europe for many • Patriotic themes influenced every aspect of American society • Painting: Stuart, Peele, Trumball: Heroes of the Revolution • Literature: Weems’ fictionalized bio of Washington (cherry tree, anyone?) • Education: Webster’s speller promoted patriotism

9. Economic Nationalism • Political movement to support the growth of the national economy, protect U.S. industry from European competition • Tariff of 1816 • First protective tariff in U.S. history • Factories built during War of 1812 feared British competition • Even South and West generally supportive • New England opposed because it restricts commerce, • Paves way for many more tariffs to come

10. Economic Nationalism Henry Clay’s American System • A House leader from Kentucky • Protective Tariffs • Promote U.S. manufacturing, raise revenue • National Bank • Provide nat’l currency • Internal Improvements • Promote growth in the south and west • Madison & Monroe don’t believe Constitution allows spending $ on roads & canals, states are left to make own improvements

11. Panic of 1819 • First economic panic since the Constitution was ratified • The Second Bank of the U.S. tightened credit to control inflation • Many state banks closed, value of $ fell • Large increases in unemployment, bankruptcies, and debt imprisonment. • WEST hurt the most—there was much post-war land speculation • People in debt, land is foreclosed on

12. Changes in the Republican Party • Only national party left by 1820 • Internal struggles over issues • “Old” republicans-limited gov’t, strict construction • Most Republicans adopted views once sponsored by Federalists • Large army & navy, national bank, • Biggest arguments over tariffs & states’ rights • Even prominent Republicans flip-flop on these issues

13. The Lure of the West • Factors that contribute to the rapid growth along western frontier during the presidencies of Madison & Monroe: • Acquisition of Native American lands • Indiana, purchase of Florida • Economic Pressures • Effects of embargo, exhausted soil on tobacco farms • Improved Transportation • Roads (turnpikes) canals, steamboats, railroads • Immigrants • Northern Europeans attracted by cheap land in the Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi River valleys