The Era of Good Feelings U.S. Nationalism

The Era of Good FeelingsU.S. Nationalism Sasso US I

Nationalism • The latter stages of the War of 1812 will produce an intense feeling of nationalism • Loyalty and devotion to the country • US citizens and the government will go to work strengthening both the govt. and the country • This all kicks off with the election of James Monroe in 1816

The Election of 1816 • The Presidency has already developed some significant trends, some of which are troubling to Northerners • Secretary of State has become a springboard to the Presidency, starting with TJ • TJ served 2 terms, then secured the Republican nomination for his Sec. of State (Madison) • Madison served 2 terms then secured the Republican nomination for his Sec. of State (Monroe) • Monroe (VA)will face no serious opposition from the Federalist Party; he easily defeats Rufus King (NY) • Another trend- 4 out of the first 5 Presidents came from VA

Monroe • Monroe was 61 when he became President • Very long and distinguished career • Entered office under extremely favorable circumstances • NO Federalist opposition • With the end of the War of 1812, NO international threats • This is the scenario the founding fathers had envisioned; up to Monroe to capitalize on the promise

Monroe • In selecting his cabinet, Monroe truly tries to keep everything balanced both politically and regionally • Appoints John Quincy Adams (MA) as Sec. of State; he used to be a Federalist • Offers the Sec. of War position to Henry Clay (KY), who declines • Ends up going to John C. Calhoun (SC) • Monroe goes to great lengths to make sure that all regions and parties are represented in his govt.

The Era of Good Feelings • Monroe will do something that no President had done since GW • He goes on a good-will tour through the country • Greeted with much enthusiasm, even in New England • A Boston newspaper writer termed it “the era of good feelings”

The American system • Before moving on to his Cabinet position, Calhoun will team up with Clay for immensely important legislative package • Clay calls it the “American System” • System is essentially based on tax/industrial protection and internal improvements (ii) • High protective tariffs, the building of roads/bridges/canals, and reinstitution of the National Bank

Internal improvements • Internal improvements became a huge concern at the start of the War of 1812 • Our inability to effectively move our troops was a big reason why we struggled in Canada • Starting in 1806, Congress had authorized the building of a “National Road” • Road would stretch from Maryland to Illinois • Individual states and businesses will also look to improve transportation • Pay for these improvements with tax money, turnpikes, and tolls

Internal improvements • With roads in the process of being constructed, the internal waterways become extremely important • The introduction of the steamboat is revolutionary • Very quick moving for the time period, and very efficient • Water current is no longer a factor in trade • There are many dangers to steamboat travel • Canals also become big and necessary projects • They will allow us to connect inland waterways • Huge jobs requiring a ton of labor

Internal Improvements • Railroads are also introduced • Limitless potential, but unbelievably dangerous • Collisions are frequent • A little slow to take hold • A lot of $ tied up in roads and canals

John Quincy Adams • JQA is the star of Monroe’s administration • Very strong bloodlines • Spent much of his life in diplomatic service, and he is one of our most successful ambassadors • Committed nationalist • Main concern is to expand US borders

Florida • Florida is the first goal • Most Americans feel we should possess the entire territory • Starting in 1817, JQA opens up talks with Spain’s Luis Onis regarding Florida • At the same time, Calhoun had stationed military along the border under the command of Andrew Jackson • Jackson takes this as a green light to attack the territory and the Native Americans in it • Jackson blasts into Florida, burns villages, seizes Spanish forts and hangs 2 British subjects

Florida • Spain is pretty upset; Spanish govt. will demand that Jackson be punished • JQA will refuse to have Jackson punished; he praises Jackson instead • JQA states that the US has a right to defend itself and its borders • Since Spain is unwilling to discipline its citizens, the US would be willing to do it • Jackson proves that the US could easily take Florida by force, JQA implies that it just might do it • Onis is in a bad spot- can’t defend Florida militarily, can’t control it politically • Adams-Onis Treaty 1819- we take control of all of Florida, Spain gives up a strong claim to the Pacific Northwest, we give up a weak claim on Texas

The Era of Good Feelings U.S. Nationalism