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Period: to
Era of good feelings
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Period: to
KEY
key figures and themes (bolded)
quotes -
End of the War of 1812
The Treaty of Ghent (1814) officially ends the War of 1812, peace is solidified in 1815 as British forces exit American soil. Tensions with Britain ease. key figures here are James Madison and Andrew Jackson. Madison was the president at the time and Jacksons popularity was boosted by the victory at the Battle of New Orleans.Themes of Nationalism and unity are evident. The war has fostered a sense of national pride and unity. -
Admission of Indiana as a state
Indiana is admitted to the union as the 19th state. Key figures: Henry Clay (speaker of the house; supported westward expansion) and James Madison (President at the time). Includes themes of westward expansion and economic growth as the frontier expands westward and the addition of new states promotes expansion of the markets and the general economy.
“Statistics are no substitute for judgment.”-Henry Clay. -
James Monroe inaugurated as president
James Monroe brought in as the 5th president of the united states. Henry clay(U.S congressman, U.S Senator), James Monroe(new president) and John Quincy Adams(Secretary of State) are all key figures. Themes of Nationalism, rise of the American system, and economic growth. Clay advocates for a national bank among other things and Monroes presidency promotes a period of political stability and national pride.
"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere."-James Monroe. -
Rush-Bagot Treaty
Agreement between the US and Great Britain demilitarizing the great lakes and limiting naval forces on the lakes. John Quincy Adams is a key figure here as the Secretary of State. Themes of diplomacy and foreign policy. treaty reflect cooperation and peaceful US-British relations.
"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air."-John Quincy Adams. -
First Seminole War begins
General Andrew Jackson lead U.S forces into Spanish Florida to suppress seminole attacks along with other threats. key figures include Andrew Jackson (military leader during the war) and John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State). Themes of sectional tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions and westward expansion(U.S acquisition of Florida.
"You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing" - Andrew Jackson. -
Life of Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist, orator, and writer of the 19th century, was born into slavery in Maryland . He escaped in 1838 and his advocacy works since then span over the Era of Good Feelings along with the Age of Reform up until his death in 1895. The sense of national unity in the era of good feelings unmasked deeper issues with slavery and inequalities which would later shape Douglasses work. Although this period is often seen as positive, sectionalism rose. -
Panic of 1819
The panic of 1819 was the first major economic depression in the U.S following the war of 1812. a key figure is James Monroe ( president during the panic). Themes of economic panic and sectional tensions. The panic causes divisions, specifically over the national bank as its policies are blamed for causing the crisis.
"The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil" - James Monroe. -
Acquisition of Florida from Spain (Adams-Onís Treaty)
The U.S gets Florida from Spain and solidifies control over the southern border. key figures include John Quincy Adams (negotiator of treaty) and Andrew Jackson ( military leader who's actions led to Spains concession) and Minister Onís. Themes of westward expansion and foreign policy and diplomacy are present. acquiring Florida marks significant territorial expansion.
"There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it."-Andrew Jackson. -
McCulloch v. Maryland
The Supreme Court sustained the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States, establishing the principle of implied powers. key figures are Daniel Webster (argues before the supreme court) and John Marshall (Chief Justice of the Supreme Court). Themes of Nationalism and unity are shown through the decision strengthening federal authority.
"The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions" Daniel Webster. -
Life of Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony’s work reflects the Age of Reform’s focus on social justice. Born in 1820, she fought for abolition and women’s suffrage, addressing the inequalities left unresolved after the Era of Good Feelings. While the era fostered a sense of unity, it concealed societal inequities. Anthony’s activism aimed to align America with its founding ideals, highlighting the optimism of the Era of Good Feelings and challenging its rejections. -
Missouri compromise
The compromise aims to resolve the conflict on slavery's expansion. Key figures are Henry Clay(formed compromise), and John C. Calhoun (southern leader who opposed the compromise).Themes of sectional tensions and westward expansion are present where the compromise temporarily resolves conflicts between slave and free states and the determining of how new states will be admitted.
“The time will come when Winter will ask you what you were doing all Summer.”- Henry Clay -
The Monroe Doctrine
Monroe doctrine warns European powers against continuing to colonize the Americas and intervention in the western hemisphere. Key figures include James Monroe (President) and John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State). The Monroe doctrine shows themes of Nationalism and Unity by strengthening the sense of American exceptionalism and unity.
"To believe all men honest would be folly. To believe none so is something worse." - John Quincy Adams. -
Gibbons v. Ogden
The supreme court decision affirmed federal power over interstate commerce.one key figure is John Marshall (Chief Justice). One theme present is economic growth, national economy is strengthened by the promotion of free trade and competition between states.
"The Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens." - John Quincy Adams. -
Indian Removal Act
lead to the forced relocation of Native American tribes to west of the Mississippi river. Key figures include Andrew Jackson (President, Advocates for the act) and John C. Calhoun (Supporter of the act, represented southern interests).Themes of westward expansion.
"Beware the wrath of a patient adversary. The Union next to our liberties the most dear." - John C. Calhoun. -
"what to the slave is the fourth of July" speech is given
The Era of Good Feelings was a time of political consolidation, but it also existed with rising tensions over slavery issue, especially as new states were admitted to the Union. This period of national optimism was in contrast to Douglass's life as a slave and later when free. His first autobiography, written in 1845, exposed the harsh truths of slavery and influenced the abolitionist movement.
"I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.” - Frederick Douglass -
Susan B. Antony, act of illegally voting in defiance
Susan B. Anthony’s 1872 act of voting illegally highlights her defiance against systemic inequality and ties to both the Era of Good Feelings and the Age of Reform. The Era of Good Feelings emphasized unity and progress, yet it excluded women from democratic rights. Her actions, inspired by reform ideals, challenged the nation's contradictions.
“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less,”-Susan B. Anthony