President James Madison James Madison was elected the fourth president of the United States in Wars between Britain and France caused challenges to American power. – Both sides interfered with American shipping. – British impressed Americans at sea, forcing them to join the British navy. Jefferson maintained American neutrality- Embargo of Madison believed that Britain was trying to limit American trade and ruin the American economy.

War of 1812 On June 19, 1812 the United States declared war on Britain. American military was unprepared: – Americans attacked Canada, but failed. – Canadian and British forces captured Detroit and some western forts. The British invaded into the Chesapeake region, burning towns along the Atlantic coast, as well as the Capitol, the White House, and other federal buildings.

War of 1812 (cont.) The British also attack New Orleans, but are defeated by Andrew Jackson’s American forces. – Took place two weeks after the official peace treaty to end war. – Battle was significant because it established the reputation of Andrew Jackson and started his path to the White House. As the war progressed, New Englanders (primarily Federalists) began to oppose the war-hurt trade with England. – Convened Hartford Convention: Debated secession through Compact Theory. Drafted Constitutional Amendments to increase political power for New England-more votes in Congress. Never presented as war ended. Federalist Party labeled traitors because of this action.

War of 1812 (cont.) War officially ended in February of 1815-Treaty of Ghent: – Stopped all fighting. – Said nothing about impressment and neutral shipping rights. – Return all lands taken during the war. Americans stood up the Britain for the second time and survived-Americans feel a stronger sense of nationalism.

President James Monroe Elected the fifth president of the United States in 1816 (third straight president from Virginia). ‘Era of Good Feelings’ reunited and healed nation after the War of Federalist Party lost election and was no longer a party. Democratic-Republicans won Congress and the Presidency-pass legislation to unite nation and strengthen the economy.

The American System Two different economic systems in the Untied States: – Agricultural South/Industrial North Henry Clay of Kentucky designed three part legislation to help unite the nation economically known as the American System: – Recharter the National Bank – Establish a protective tariff – Invest in internal improvements The goal of the American System was to unite the country economically: – North makes goods for Southern/Western farmers. – Southern/Western farmers produce grain, meat, and cotton needed in the North. – New transportation system would increase the trade of goods. – Achieve economic independence from Europe.

The Second National Bank The First National Bank was allowed to weaken under Jefferson and expired in Following the War of 1812, there was a need to provide credit to businesses and create a uniform currency that was guaranteed nationwide-easier to conduct business. Congress chartered Second National Bank for a 20-year period in 1816.

Tariff of 1816 Government wanted people to purchase goods made in America. Stockpiles of British goods (iron/textiles) from before the war were significantly cheaper. A protective tariff would: – Protect new industries from foreign competition. – Make Americans buy from Americans because it was cheaper. – Provided money for other government projects. New Englanders approved of the tariff-could sell more goods. Those in the South and West felt that it was not the role of the government to intervene-makes goods more expensive.

Internal Improvements In order for people in different regions of the growing country to conduct business, improvements in transportation were needed. Development of railroads, canals, better roads helped the flow of people and commerce-goods to the east and people to the west. Individuals can get to places faster and cheaper. Erie Canal linked the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes by water. Money from Tariff of 1816 would help pay for improvements.

Monroe Doctrine Following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, Spain and Portugal sought to re-establish their colonies in Latin America. In response, President Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, which proclaimed: – The American continents should not be considered for future colonization by any European powers. – Nations in the Western Hemisphere were inherently different from those of Europe, republics by nature rather than monarchies. – The United States would regard it “dangerous to our peace and safety” any attempt by European powers to impose their system on any independent state in the Western Hemisphere. – The United States would not interfere in European affairs.