The Era of good Feelings (I know its a weak name; deal with it)

Sasso US IThe Era of Good Feelings-U.S. Nationalism

NationalismThe latter stages of the War of 1812 will produce an intense feeling of nationalismLoyalty and devotion to the countryUS citizens and the government will go to work strengthening both the govt. and the countryThis all kicks off with the election of James Monroe in 1816

The Election of 1816The Presidency has already developed some significant trends, some of which are troubling to NorthernersSecretary of State has become a springboard to the Presidency, starting with TJTJ 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 VAMonroeMonroe was 61 when he became PresidentVery long and distinguished careerEntered office under extremely favorable circumstancesNO Federalist oppositionWith the end of the War of 1812, NO international threatsThis is the scenario the founding fathers had envisioned; up to Monroe to capitalize on the promise

MonroeIn selecting his cabinet, Monroe truly tries to keep everything balanced both politically and regionallyAppoints John Quincy Adams (MA) as Sec. of State; he used to be a FederalistOffers the Sec. of War position to Henry Clay (KY), who declinesEnds 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 GWHe goes on a good-will tour through the countryGreeted with much enthusiasm, even in New EnglandA Boston newspaper writer termed it the era of good feelingsThe American systemBefore moving on to his Cabinet position, Calhoun will team up with Clay for immensely important legislative packageClay calls it the American SystemSystem 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 improvementsInternal improvements became a huge concern at the start of the War of 1812Our inability to effectively move our troops was a big reason why we struggled in CanadaStarting 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 transportationPay for these improvements with tax money, turnpikes, and tolls

Internal improvements

With roads in the process of being constructed, the internal waterways become extremely importantThe introduction of the steamboat is revolutionaryVery quick moving for the time period, and very efficientWater current is no longer a factor in tradeThere are many dangers to steamboat travelCanals also become big and necessary projectsThey will allow us to connect inland waterwaysHuge jobs requiring a ton of labor

Internal ImprovementsRailroads are also introducedLimitless potential, but unbelievably dangerousCollisions are frequentA little slow to take hold A lot of $ tied up in roads and canals

John Quincy Adams

JQA is the star of Monroes administrationVery strong bloodlinesSpent much of his life in diplomatic service, and he is one of our most successful ambassadorsCommitted nationalistMain concern is to expand US bordersFloridaFlorida is the first goalMost Americans feel we should possess the entire territoryStarting in 1817, JQA opens up talks with Spains Luis Onis regarding FloridaAt the same time, Calhoun had stationed military along the border under the command of Andrew JacksonJackson takes this as a green light to attack the territory and the Native Americans in itJackson blasts into Florida, burns villages, seizes Spanish forts and hangs 2 British subjects

FloridaSpanish govt. will demand that Jackson be punishedJQA will refuse to have Jackson punished; states that the US has a right to defend itself and its bordersSince Spain is unwilling to discipline its citizens, the US would be willing to do itJackson proves that the US could easily take Florida by force, JQA implies that it just might do itOnis is in a bad spot- cant defend Florida militarily, cant control it politicallyAdams-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 TexasThe Monroe DoctrineJQA also has a big influence on foreign affairs 1820s sees a spike in democratic rebellions throughout Central and South America (mostly Spanish-controlled)Europes absolute monarchies plan to reclaim those territories for SpainJQA and Monroe form the Monroe DoctrineNorth and South America should no longer be thought of as areas for Europe to colonizeAmerica does not interfere with European affairs; Europe should not interfere with any nations in the Western HemisphereThe Monroe DoctrineAmerica essentially claims that it will defend any nation in the West that chooses to be independentCan we back this up? Absolutely not!We are learning how to play the game- bluffing can be effective PLUS we may gain some favor from the newly independent nationsThis becomes U.S. foreign policy for the better part of a century

The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine