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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
A strong spirit of nationalism swept through the United States following the War of 1812. The war itself gave rise to increased feelings of self-confidence and unity. The peace that followed enabled the nation to concentrate on its own affairs.The Constitution had gone into effect in 1789 when eleven states had ratified it. Within the next two years, North Carolina and Rhode Island had joined the Union. These thirteen states formed a country of roughly four million people. -
First President
Washington was elected President by unanimous vote and John Adams was elected Vice President. However, Washington did not arrive in New York until late April.He wrote: "My movement to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution; so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an ocean of difficulties." -
FIRST POLITICAL PARTIES
The split between Hamilton,who believed in government by the wealthy and powerful,and Jefferson and Madison, who had faith in the common people,was the first crack in the ranks of those who had drafted the Constitution.The conflict was more than a clash of individual personalities.Out of such regional and economic
differences, the first political parties were formed.In the autumn of 1791, Jefferson and Madison established a newspaper, The National Gazette, to acquaint the public. -
An Undeclared War with France
.The XYZ Affair angered many people in the United States. "Millions for defense," they cried, "but not one cent for tribute!" The few naval vessels that the government had built attacked French vessels, and armed American ships of all kinds captured French ships whenever they could. Despite the fighting, however, the United States and France were not officially at war, since Congress never declared that a state of war existed. -
THE "REVOLUTION" OF 1800
In his later years, Jefferson was fond of saying that "the Revolution of 1800 was as real a revolution in the principles of our government as that of 1776 was in its form."One of his first acts as President was to release those who were still in jail because of the Sedition Act. Jefferson believed that the strength of a government depended upon its popularity and not upon its use of force.Jefferson's term of office was not quite the "revolution" that he later remembered. -
THE WAR OF 1812
A Second War for Independence. James Madison came to the Presidency at a crucial time.The nation was divided in its support of the war against England.The battle of Fort Mchenry inspired the "The Star-Spangled Banner.Instead of demoralizing the Americans as the British had intended, the burning of Washington, D.C. served to unite citizens of the United States, and thousands volunteered for military service. -
The "Era of Good Feelings."
James Monroe, Madison's Secretary of State, was elected President in 1816. During his first term, he adopted enough of the Federalist principles to satisfy former Federalists. During the War of 1812, American manufacturers were forced to produce the materials needed within the United States. Following the war, England deluged the American market with goods that were priced much lower than those of the budding American manufacturers. Many American manufacturers went into bankruptcy. -
NATIONALISM AND THE MONROE ADMINISTRATION
By the 1820s, real sectional differences had surfaced within the United States. Citizens in different parts of the nation often had strongly clashing political, social, and economic interests. One of the most serious sectional disputes arose over the question of slavery. Should new states admitted to the Union be allowed to decide for themselves whether they were "slave" or "free"? -
The Monroe Doctrine.
. Seeing the plight of Spain, Britain proposed joint British-American action to stop other European countries from establishing colonies in the Americas. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams opposed this plan because he thought the United States should act independently.Following Adams' advice, President Monroe announced a new policy in his annual message to Congress in December of 1823. This statement, known as the Monroe Doctrine, was a landmark in United States history. -
SECTIONALISM AND THE JACKSON ADMINISTRATION
Even though the "Era of Good Feelings" seemed to be harmonious, sectional differences arose. People living in the Northeast, the South, and the West were developing their own attitudes and viewpoints. From the 1820s to the 1860s, sectional rivalry was pitted against the spirit of nationalism.n addition, Jackson was largely responsible for the creation of two new political parties.