Period 4: The Age of Jefferson-Nationalism & Economic Development (1800-1848) (CH's 7 & 8)

Jackson's Military Campaign in FL (1817)

In 1817, the president (Monroe) commissioned General Jackson to stop the raiders and, pursue them across the border into Spanish west FL. In 1818, he led a force of militia into FL, destroyed Seminole village and killed two Seminole chiefs. He also drove out the Spanish governor, and killed two British traders accused of aiding the Seminoles. Many members of Congress feared that Jacksons actions would create a war with both Spain and Britain. However, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams persuaded Monroe to support Jackson, and the Brits decided not to intervene.

Marbury v Madison case (1803)

John Adams (on his last days as president) had sent out commissions to Federalist Judges, but they weren't delivered when Jefferson assumed office. Jefferson ordered Madison (secretary of state) to not deliver them bc he didn't want all Federalist judges. William Marbury sued for his commission, and appointed the Supreme court for a writ of mandamus, (legal order) compelling Madison to show cause on why he did not receive his. Marshall (chief justice) said that Marbury had the right to his commission, according to the *Judiciary Act* passed by congress in 1789. BUT this act gave more power to the Supreme court than the constitution allowed. THEREFORE, the law was unconstitutional, and Marbury did NOT receive his commission. By ruling the law of Congress to be unconditional, Marshall established the doctrine of *judicial review* (Supreme court had power to decide whether an act of Congress/pres was constitutional).

The Election of 1808

Madison was elected president against Charles Pinckney, and supported by former president Jefferson as they had developed the Dem Rep party together. He dealt with the same economic problems as Jefferson had during his second term, although he finally consented to take the US to war. Madison won reelection in 1812.

War Hawks

A congressional election in 1810 had brought a group of new, young Dem-Reps to Congress, many of them from frontier states (Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio). Known as war hawks, because of their eagerness for war with Britain, they gained significant influence in the House of Reps. Led by Henry Clay of Kentucky and Calhoun, the war hawk members of Congress argued that war with Britain would be the only way to defend American honor, gain Canada, and destroy American Indian resistance on the frontier. The War Hawks and other pressures persuaded Madison to seek a declaration of war against Britain. Although Congress and the American people were not united in support for war.

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

A large British invasion force was repelled by Andrew Jackson's troops at New Orleans. About 2,500 British soldiers were killed or captured, while in the American army only 8 men were killed. Neither side knew that the Treaty of Ghent had ended the War of 1812 two weeks before the battle. This victory inspired American nationalism.

Political changes (Dem-Reps & Feds)

A reason for the decline of the Federalist party was its failure to adapt to the changing needs of a growing nation. The party did not join the nations nationalism, as they opposed the war of 1812. The Dem-Rep party changed as it adopted some Federalist ideas, such as the need for maintaining of a large army and navy and support for a national bank. Some members changed their views completely including Dan Webster who opposed but then supported tariffs.

Growth of Industry (Ch 8)

At the start of the 19th century, a manufacturing economy had barely begun in the US. By midcentury, however, US manufacturing surpassed agriculture in value, and by century's end, it was the worlds leader. Protected by parent laws, inventors looked forward to rewards if their ideas for new tools or machines proved practical. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin and interchangeable parts during the War of 1812, which became the basis for mass production methods in new northern factories.

Tariff of 1816

Before the War of 1812, Congress had levied low tariff on imports as a method for raising gov revenue. Then, during the war, manufacturers erected many factories to supply goods that previously had been imported from Britain. Now in peacetime, these American manufacturers feared that British goods would be dumped on American markets and take away much of their business. Congress raised tariffs for the purpose of protecting US manufacturers from competition. This was the first protective tariff in the US. NE had opposed it because they had little manufacturing, but the South and West supported it.

Battle of Washington D.C. (& Baltimore)

By 1814, the defeat of Napoleon in Europe enabled the British to increase their forces in North America. That same year, a British army marched through the nation's capital, and set fire to the White House, the Capitol, and other gov buildings. The British also attempted to take over Baltimore, but were unsuccessful. This inspired Francis Scott Key to make the "Star Spangled Banner" after he was taken prisoner on a British ship. (Previously named "The Defense of Fort McHenry")

Macom's Bill No. 2 (1810)

Economic hardships counted into 1810. Macon, a member of Congress, introduced a bill that restored US trade with Britain and France. Macon's Bill stated that if either Britain or France agreed to respect the US neutral rights and stopped violating Neutral Trading Rights, the US would prohibit trade with their enemy.

Marshalls Supreme Court

Fed John Marshall had been appointed by the Fed party in 1700 by Pres Adams, and continued to lead the court. His decisions constantly favored central gov and the rights of property against the advocates of states rights. Dem Rep justices often sided with Marshall b/c they were persuaded that the US Constitution had created a fed gov with strong and flexible powers. More of his cases include: McCulloch v Maryland (1819): Maryland tries to tax the national bank, Gibbons v Ogden (1824): only congress could regulate interstate trade.

The Wars Legacy (7)

From Madison's view, the war achieved none of its original aims. Nevertheless, it had a number of important consequences for the future development of the US republic including: (1) US gained respect from other nations. (2) US accepted Canada as Brits. (3) Talk of nullification/secession in NE set precedent that would be used by the South. (4) Native Americans forced to surrender land to US, as they were abandoned by the Brits. (5) Fed party came to and end, affect of secession ideas. (6) With limited European goods from British naval blockade, US factories were built and Americans move toward industrial self sufficiency. (7) Nationalism grew along with the idea of Westward expansion and non European involvement.

The War of 1812 Causes

From the US perspective, the pressures leading to war came from two directions: the continued violation of US neutral rights at sea and troubles with British on the western frontier. US applauded the French for being able to overthrow their monarchy in the French revolution, as they had bitter views towards the British from their own revolution.

Barbary Pirates (1801-1805)

Jefferson tried to avoid war, rejecting permanent alliances, he sought to maintain US neutrality despite increasing provocations from both France and Britain during the Napoleonic wars. After the revolution the British stopped paying the "Pirates" on the Barbary coast, and the American gov agreed to pay tribute to the Barbary gov to protect US merchant ships from the pirates. Although the ruler of Tripoli demanded more money from Jefferson, but he refused, and Tripoli declared war on the US and began seizing American warships. US paid $60,000 to end war.

Democrats v Whigs (1830's)

*Dem party* that brought Andrew Jackson into office in 1829. Part of the 2nd Party System of the United States; supported Jeffersonian ideas of limited government and individualism; drew its support from the "common Man." *Whig Party* created in 1834 as a coalition of anti-Jackson political leaders and dedicated to internal improvements funded by the national government

Federalist v Democrats

*Federalist* party created in the 1790s led by Alexander Hamilton; favored a stronger national government; supported primarily by the bankers and moneyed interests *Dem-Reps* party created in the 1790's; led by Thomas Jefferson; favored limited government and state rights; supported primarily by the "common man".

Economic Nationalism

Parallel with cultural national was a political movement to support the growth of the nation's economy. Subsidizing internal improvements (the building of roads and canals) was one aspect of the movement. Protecting US industries from European competition was another.

Population Growth (Ch 8)

Population growth provided both the laborers and the consumers required for industrial development. Between 1800 and 1825. A high birthrate accounted for most of this growth, but it was strongly increased by immigrants after 1830, arriving from Europe (Britain/ Germany). The nonwhite pop, blacks and Indians, grew despite the ban on the importance of slaves after 1808. However, as a percentage of the total pop, nonwhites declined. By the 1830's, almost one third of the pop lived west of the Alleghenies. At the same time, both old and new urban areas were growing rapidly.

The Era of Good Feeling

The election of James Monroe (Dem-Rep) in 1816, initiated the era of good feeling. With no political opposition during his election due to the high unpopularity of the Fed party, Monroe represented the nationalism of the US. Under him, the US acquired FL, Missouri Compromise, and the Monroe Doctrine. The name suggested that Monroes presidency was marked by a spirit of nationalism, optimism and goodwill. Although this was misleading and oversimplified. Throughout the era, people had heated debates over tariffs, the national bank, internal improvement, and public land sales. The era of good feeling may have lasted from the 1816 election to the panic of 1819.

Cultural Nationalism

The pop votes for Monroe were casted by a younger generation of Americans whose concerns differed from those of the nation's founders. The young were excited about the prospects of the new nation expanding westward and had little interest in European politics now that the Napoleonic wars & War of 1812 was over. It was believed that the young would be entering an era of prosperity. The basic ideas and ideals of nationalism and patriotism would dominate most of the 19th century.

Pressure for the Monroe Doctrine

The restoration of many monarchies in Europe after the fall of Napoleon in 1815 produced a backlash against republican movements. Restored monarchies in France, Austria, and Prussia, together with Russia, worked together to suppress liberal elements in Italy and Spain. They also considered helping Spain to return to power in South America, where a number of republics had recently declared their independence. In addition, Russia's presence in Alaska worried both Brits and US. US and Britain had a common interest in protecting North and South American from possible aggression by a European power.

Marshall Supreme Court Cases

*McCulloch v Maryland (1819):* Maryland tries to tax the national bank and Supreme Court ruled that federal law was stronger than the state law. *Gibbons v Ogden* (1824): only congress could regulate interstate trade. *Cherokee Nation v. Georgia* 1831: Court refused to hear a suit by the Cherokee Nation against a Georgia law abolishing tribal legislature. Court said Indians were not foreign nations, and US had broad powers over tribes but a responsibility for their welfare. *Worcester v. Georgia:* Cherokee Indians were entitled to federal protection from the actions of state governments which would infringe on the tribe's sovereignty *Marbury v. Madison:* establishes the right to Judicial Review by the Supreme Court; right to declare laws unconstitutional. *Commonwealth v. Hunt:* the Supreme Court ruled peaceful unions had the right to negotiate labor contracts with employers.

Innovations

*Textile Machinery:* basis of factory and plantation economies. *Interchangeable parts/Cotton gin*. *Steam Engine:* Boats that could easily paddle upstream, became vital part of America's transportation system. Railroads. *Canals-Erie Canal (1817-1825):* this revolutionized shipping in NY and opened up new markets (evidence of the Market Revolution). (New transportation systems were able to move people, raw materials, and manufactured goods more efficiently).

Frontier Pressures: The War of 1812

Added to long standing grievances over British actions at sea were the ambitions of western Americans for more open land. Americans on the frontier longed for the lands of British Canada and Spanish Florida. Standing in the way were the British and their Indian and Spanish allies. Conflict with the American Indians was a problem for the westerners. Settlers had been gradually pushing the American Indians farther westward. In an effort to defend their lands, Shawnee brothers-Tecumseh and Prophet attempted to unite all of the tribes east of the Mississippi River. White settlers became suspicious of Tecumseh and persuaded the governor of Indian Territory to take action. In a Battle in 1811, the governor destroyed Techmseh's efforts to form an Indian confederacy. The British had only provided limited aid to Tecumseh.

John Marshall and the Supreme Court

After the Dem-Rep victory of 1800, the only power remaining to the Federalists was their control of the fed courts. The Federalist appointments to the courts were not subject to recall or removal except by impeachment. Federalist judges therefore continued in office, much to the annoyance of the Dem-Rep president, Jefferson.

Effect of Missouri Compromise (4)

After the War of 1812, the population west of the Apps Mountains had doubled. Much of the nationalistic and economic interest in the country was centered on the West. The growth along the western frontier during the presidencies of Madison and Monroe had to do w/ many factors. (1) *Acquisition of US Indian Lands:* large areas were open for settlement after Natives were driven out by Jackson in Florida and South and victory of General Harrison in Indiana Territory. (2) *Economic Pressures:* the economic difficulties in the Northeast from the embargo and the war caused people from this region to seek a future in the west. Southern tobacco planters needed new land to replace the soil from poor farming methods. (3) *Improved Transportation:* easy access to frontier through new roads, canals, railroads. (4) *Immigrants:* most Europeans were attracted to come to the US by speculators offering cheap land in the West.

Nonintercourse Act of 1809

After the repeal of Jeffersons embargo act, Madison hoped to end economic hardships while maintaining a neutral nation through this act, which allowed Americans to trade with all nations except France and Britain.

Rush-Bagot Agreement (1817)

Although the Treaty of Ghent of 1814 had ended the war between Britain and the US, it left unresolved most of their diplomatic differences, including many involving Canada. During Monroe's presidency, British and US agreed to a major disarmament pact. This Agreement limited naval armament on the Great Lakes. In time the agreement was extended to place limits on border fortifications as well. Ultimately, the border between the US and Canada was to become the longest unfortified border in the world.

Opposition to the War of 1812

Americans who opposed the war, viewed it as Madison's War and the work of the war hawks in congress. Most outspoken in their criticism of the war were NE merchants, Federalist politicians, and Quids or Old Dem-Reps. NE merchants were opposed because after the repeal of the Embargo Act, they were making sizable profits from the European war and viewed impressment as a minor inconvenience. Both commercial interests and religious ties to Protestantism made them more sympathetic to the Protestant British than to the Catholic French. Fed politicians viewed the war as a Dem Rep scheme to conquer Canada and Florida, with the aim of increasing Dem Rep voting strength. For their part, the Quids criticized the war because it boiled the classic Dem Rep commitment to limited federal power and to the maintenance of peace

Women (Ch 8)

As US society become more urban and industrialized, the nature of work and family life changed for women, many of whom no longer worked next to their husbands on family farms. Women seeking employment in a city were usually limited to two choices: domestic service or teaching. Factory jobs, as in the Lowell System, were not common. Majority of working women were single. If they married, they left their jobs to become homeworkers. In both urban and rural settings, women were gaining relatively more control over their lives. Although they still couldn't vote.

Embargo Act of 1807 (peaceable coercion)

As a way around war from US ships being seized by Britain and France, Jefferson made Congress pass this, which prohibited American merchant ships from sailing to any foreign port. Since the US was Britains largest trading parter, Jefferson hoped that the British would stop seizing US ships and forcing sailors into their army and navy. Although this instead created economic hardships for the US, and was especially hard for merchants and farmers (bring in no $). This created a very large depression that the NE created a movement to succeed from the Union. Jefferson repealed the Embargo Act after it became a failure.

Factory Expansion: Search for Labor (Ch 8)

At first, factory owners had difficulty finding workers for their mills, as there was cheap land in the West. In response, textile mills in Lowell MA, recruited young farm women and housed them in company dormitories. In the 1830's, other factories did this, and many used child labor, and immigrants.

Slavery (Ch 8)

At the outset of the 19th century, many people throughout the nation believed and hoped that slavery would gradually disappear. They thought that the exhaustion of soil in the coastal lands and the constitutional bans on the importance of slaves after 1808 would make slavery economically unfeasible. However, the rapid growth of the cotton industry and the expansion of slavery into new states ended hopes for a quiet end to slavery. As the arguments of the over the Missouri Compromise suggested, the slavery issue defied the easy answers.

Henry Clay's American System (& who was against)

Clay, a leader in the House of Reps, proposed a method for advancing the nation's economic growth. His plan, which he called the American System, had three parts: (1) protective tariff (2) a national bank (3) internal improvements. He argued that protective tariffs would promote transportation system of fed constructed roads and canals. A national bank would keep the system running smoothly by prolonging a national currency. The tariffs would benefit the East mainly, internal improvements would promote growth in the West and the South, and the bank would aid the economics of all sections. Congress that year adopted a protective tariff and created the Second Bank of the US. Madison and Monroe both were against internal improvements, as it would require fed money to build which was not in the Constitution. Monroe constantly vetoed acts providing funds for road building etc. Thus individual states had to make internal improvements themselves.

Republicans (1970's)

Dem-Reps party created in the 1790's. led by Thomas Jefferson; favored limited government and state rights; supported primarily by the "common man"

New Issues of the Expansion of the Western Frontier

Despite their rapid growth, the new states of the West had small populations relative to those of the other two sections. To enhance their limited political influence in Congress, western representatives bargained with politicians from other sections to obtain their objectives. Of greatest importance to the western states were: (1) "cheap $" (easy credit) from state banks rather than from the Bank of US, (2) low price land sold by fed gov, & (3) improved transportation. However, on the critical issues of slavery, westerners could not agree whether to permit it or to exclude it. Those who settled toward the south wanted slavery for labor for cotton fields, while those settled toward the North had no use for slavery. In 1819, when the Missouri Territory became state, slavery became a subject of debate.

Spanish closing of the Mississippi river port

During Jeffersons presidency, the western frontier extended into the Indiana Territory. Settlers in this region depended for their economic existence on transporting goods on rivers that flowed westward into the Mississippi and New Orleans. They were alarmed when in 1802 Spanish officials, who were in charge of New Orleans, closed the port to Americans. Farmers and people on the frontier raged for gov action. In addition to being concerned about the economic impact of the closing of New Orleans, Jefferson was concerned by its consequences on foreign policy. He feared that, as long as foreign power controlled the river at New Orleans, the US risked entanglement in European affairs. As a result, Jefferson offered France $10mil for both New Orleans and a strip of land extending to Florida. If the US failed negotiations, they would form an alliance with Britain. Although Napoleon (seeking $ for war against Britain), offered to sell New Orleans and the Louisiana Territory for $15mil. We accepted.

Jeffersons Presidency (1800-1809)

During his first term, Jefferson attempted to win the allegiance and trust of Federalist opponents by maintaining the national bank and debt repayment plan of Hamilton. In foreign policy, he carried on the neutrality policies of Washington and Adams. At the same time, Jefferson retained the loyalty of Dem-Rep supporters by adhering to his party's guiding principle of limited central gov. He reduced the size of the military, eliminated a number of fed jobs, repealed the excise taxes-including those on whiskey- and lowered the national debt. Only Republicans were named to his cabinet, as he sought to avoid internal division that distracted Washington. He was also reelected in 1804 against Burr.

FL and the War of 1812

During the War of 1812, US troops had occupied western FL. Previously, this land had been held by Spain, Britains ally. After the war, Spain had difficulty governing the rest of FL b/c its troops had been removed from FL to battle revolts in the South American colonies. The chaotic conditions permitted groups of Seminoles, Slaves, and outlaws to conduct raids into US territory and retreat to safety across the FL border. These disorders gave Monroe and General Jackson an opportunity to take military action in Spanish FL.

The Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Hoping to become a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere while still maintaining peace with Europe and Latin America, The US closed European colonization/interference in the Western Hemisphere (N & S America) and would not be involved in European affairs. This doctrine was enforced by both the US and Britain, and they agreed that if the US acted alone, Britain could be counted upon to stand behind the US policy. And, if any European power risked going to war in South America, the British navy would surely defeat the aggressor (issued by Adams).

Treaty of 1818 (Anglo American Convention)

Improved relations between the US and Britain continued in a treaty that provided for (1) shared fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland; (2) joint occupation of the Oregon Territory for 10 years, and (3) the settling of the northern limits of the Louisiana Territory at the 49th parallel, thus establishing the western US-Canada boundary line.

Chesapeake Leopard Affair (1807)

In 1807, only a few miles off the coast of Virginia, the British warship Leopard fired on the US warship Chesapeake. Three Americans were killed and four others were taken captive and impressed into the British navy. Anti British feeling ran high, and many Americans demanded war. Jefferson, however, restored to diplomacy and economic pressures as his response to the crisis.

Factory System (Post 1812) (Ch 8)

In 1811, NY passed a law that made it easier for a business to incorporate and raise capital (money) by selling shares of stock. Other states soon imitated NY example. The embargo and the War of 1812 stimulated domestic manufacturing, and the protective tariffs enacted by Congress helped the new factories prosper. In the 1820's, NE emerged as the nations leading manufacturing center as a result of the regions abundant waterpower for driving the new machinery and seaports for shipping goods. Also, the decline in NE maritime industry made $ available for manufacturing, while the decline of farming in the region yielded a ready labor supply. Other northern states with similar resources and problems followed NE. As the factory system expanded, it encouraged the growth of financial businesses such as banking and insurance.

War of 1812: Naval battles

In 1812, the US warship Constitution (Old Ironsides) raised the US morale by defeating and sinking a British ship off the coast of Nova Scotia. American privateers motivated, captured numerous British merchant ships. Offsetting these gains was the success of the British navy in establishing a blockade of the US coast, which crippled trading and fishing. The most important naval battle of the war was in 1813 on Lake Eric with US captain Perry declaring victory.

Commercial Agriculture (Ch 8) (2)

In the early 1800's, farming became more of a commercial enterprise and less a means of providing substance for the family. This change to cash crops was due to (1) large areas of western land were available at low prices by the fed gov. State banks also made it easy to acquire land by providing farmers with loans at low interest rates. (2) The invention of canals and railroads opened new markets in the growing factory cities of the East for western farmers.

A National Economy (Ch 8)

In the early 1800s, the Jeffersonian dream of a nation of independent farmers remained strong in rural areas. As the century progressed, however, an increasing percentage of the US people were swept up in the dynamic economic of the Industrial Revolution. Political conflicts over tariffs internal improvements, and the Bank of the US reflected the importance to people's lives of a national economy that was rapidly growing.

Economic and Social Mobility (Ch 8)

Real wages improved for most urban workers in the early 1800's, but the gap between the very wealthy and the very poor increased. Social mobility (moving upward income level and social status) did occur from one generation to the next, and economic opportunities in the US were greater than in Europe.

Second Great Awakening (& key figures & impact)

Religious revivals in 1800's (perfectionism - morals). These revivals mainly occurred in the Burned over District of NY. A key person was *Charles Finney* whose sermons favored *self improvement, spiritual rebirth, and perfection.* As a result of this, reform moves grew including *abolitionism, temperance movement, mental health movement led by Doreatha Dix, and the public schools movement of Horace Mann.* Women also played a large role in the Awakening.

The Hartford Convention (prior to war of 1812)

Secret meetings conducted by NE Federalist Delegates (between Dec 15 1814 to Jan 5 1815) to express grievances against the administration of Madison, including the war of 1812. They threatened to leave the Union & form own country if we go to war with Britain (didn't happen and this party was badly looked upon - & died out).

The Missouri Compromise

Since 1792, when VT entered the Union as a free state and KT entered as a slave state, Congress had attempted to preserve a balance between the North and South. Missouri's bid for statehood alarmed the North b/c slavery was well established there. If Missouri came in as a slave state, it would tip the political balance between the Northern anti slave states and the Southern slave states. So under Clays Proposals three bills were made including, Maine became a free slave state, and Missouri became a slave state to keep the balance. Slavery was also prohibited in the rest of the Louisiana Territory north of latitude 36'30.

Adams Onis Treaty (1819)

Spain, worried that the US would seize FL and preoccupied with troubles in Latin America, decided to get the best possible terms for Florida. By treaty in 1819, Spain turned over all of its possessions in FL and its own claims in the Oregon Territory to the US. In exchange, the US agreed to assume $5 mil in claims against Spain and give up any US territorial claims to the Spanish province of TX.

Effects of the Market Revolution (Ch 8)

Specialization on the farm, the growth of cities, industrialization, and the development of modern capitalism meant the end of self sufficient households and a growing independence among people. These changes combined to bring about a revolution in the marketplace. The farmers fed the workers in the cities, who in return, provided farmers with mass produced goods. For most Americans, the standard of living increased. At the same time, however, adapting to an interpersonal, fast changing economy presented challenges and problems.

The Panic of 1819

The Era of Good feeling was fractured in 1819 by the first major financial panic since the Constitution had been ratified. The Economic disaster was mainly the fault of the Second Bank of the US, which had tightened credit to control inflation. Many state banks closed and unemployment, bankruptcies, and imprisonment for debt increased. The depression was most severe in the West, as many people were in debt b/c they speculated on land during the postwar. In 1819, the Bank of the US foreclosed on large amounts of western farmland. As a result of the bank panic and depression, nationalistic beliefs were shaken. In the West, the economic crisis changed many voters political outlook. Westerners began calling for land reform and expressing strong opposition to both the national bank and debtors prisons.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The Louisiana Territory encompassed a largely unexplored tract of western land that the Mississippi river flowed through. For many years, Louisiana and New Orleans had been claimed by Spain. But in 1800, the French military and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte security forced Spain to give the Louisiana territory to them (former owner). Napoleon hoped to restore the French empire in the Americans. By 1803, however, Napoleon lost interest in his plan b/c: (1) he needed French troops for fighting England and (2) a rebellion against French rule on the island of Santo Domingo had resulted in heavy French losses.

Challenges to US neutrality

The Napoleonic wars continued to dominate the politics of Europe, and to shape the commercial economy of the US. France and Britain attempted naval blockades of enemy ports, and regularly seized the ships of neutral nations, confiscating their cargo. The British would also capture US sealers and forced them to serve in the British navy.

Foreign Affairs Post 1812

The US adopted a more aggressive nationalistic approach in its relations with other nations. During Madison's presidency, when problems with he Barbary pirates developed again, a fleet was sent in 1815 to force the rulers of North Africa to allow US shipping the free use of the Mediterranean. President Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams continued to follow a nationalistic policy that actively advanced US interests while maintaining peace.

Consequences of the Louisiana Purchase

This Purchase doubled the size of the US, removed European presence from the nation and extended the western frontier to lands beyond the Mississippi. Furthermore, the acquisition of millions of acres of land strengthened Jeffersons hopes that his country's future would be based on an agrarian society of independent farmers rather than Hamiltons vision of an urban and industrial society. In political terms, the Louisiana Purchase increased Jeffersons popularity and showed the Federalists to be a weak, sectionalism (NE based) party that could do little more than complain about Dem-Rep policies.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

This was an expedition (decided by Jefferson) to venture across the L Purchase to find a water route to the Pacific for trading, to discover and study the land, and to become friendly with the natives. Sacajawea's joined to act as a symbol of peace (women & baby) and helped them navigate. (It took them 1.5 years, while the return took 6 months- 28 months)

Cotton and the South (Ch 8)

Throughout the 19th century, the principle cash crop in the South was cotton. Whitney's invention of the cotton gin transformed agriculture of an entire region. Now that they could easily separate the cotton fiber from the seeds, southern planters found cotton more profitable than tobacco and indigo, the leading crops of the colonial period. They invested their capital in the purchase of slaves and new land in the South and shipped most of the their cotton crops overseas for sale to British textile factories.

Factory Expansion: Unions (Ch 8)

Trade/ Craft Unions were organized in major cities as early as the 1790's and increased in number as the factory system took hold. Many skilled workers had to seek employment in factories b/c their earlier practice of working in their own shops (craft system) could no longer compete with lower priced, mass produced goods. Long hours, low pay, and poor working conditions led to widespread discontent among factory workers. The obstacles to union success, however, were many: (1) immigrant replacement workers, (2) state laws outlawing unions, and (3) frequent economic depressions with high unemployment.

The Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Treaty that asked for peace between Britain and the US, ending the War of 1812. All conquered territory was to be returned, and commissions were planned to settle the boundary of the United States and Canada. This would also reopen trade lines between the US and Britain, force the British to stop impressing, and give the US the right to declare complete Independence. The war ended in stalemate, with no victory for either side.

Transportation (Ch 8)

Vital to the development of both a national and industrial economy was an efficient network of interconnecting roads and canals for moving people, raw materials, and manufactured goods. The success of the Lancaster Turnpike, built in 1790's, that connected Philly with farmlands, stimulated the construction of other privately built and short roads that connected most of the counties major cities by 1820s. The completion of the Erie Canal in NY (1825) was a major event in linking the economies of western farms and eastern cities. The success of this canal lead to canal building in other states. This improved transportation meant lower food prices in the East, more immigrants settling in the West, and stronger economic ties between the two sections. Steamboats also began to develop and became faster and cheaper. The first railroad lines in the late 1820s were also developed. These railroads along with other improvement in transportation changed small western towns into booming commercial centers of the expanding national economy.