1. Was the era of good feelings all that good?
From Madison to Monroe
Was the era of good feelings all that good?

2. Background of Presidents
James Madison (DR)
Virginia Native
James Monroe (DR)
Virginia Native
BOTH PRESIDENTS PRESIDED OVER COUNTRY DURING TIMES
Increased nationalism
Increased sectionalism
Decreased impact of political parties

3. Foreign Policy issues War of 1812 Fought between U.S. and Britain
Main issue was neutrality on seas and ending the practice of impressment
Occurs in part bc of policies of Jefferson
Embargo Act of 1807 strangles our economy
Non-intercourse Act – allow trade with anyone other than GB or FR
Macon’s Bill # 2 says we will begin trade with whichever country (FR or GB) stops impressing 1st

4. Other War of 1812 Causes Native Americans Impressments continue
Thought that G.B. was assisting N.A. unrest
Tecumseh was Native American leader who refused to sell land
Resulted in fight … during course of it weapons were discovered
Impressments continue
Worst incident … Chesapeake affair
American ship Chesapeake attacked after refusing to allow G.B. sailors on to search for deserters

5. War of 1812 results Treaty of Ghent
No land changes hands
No money changes hands
Pre-war status quo
BUT … U.S. gains R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Battle of New Orleans fought after war
_____________ never got the news that the treaty was signed; became war hero.

6. Post War issues Huge growth in Nationalism
Temporary decline in political parties
“American system” … idea that we should
Increase funding of Army and Navy
Build of roads and canals
Tariff of 1816 – protect domestic industry
Recharter national bank
Assume state debts

7. BUT … Sectionalism lurks
Constitutional provisions dealing with slavery 1 2 3
Slavery grows in the south, esp. after cotton gin.
North wants Tariff … South and West resistant to tariffs.
WHY???
Madison Veto’s Calhoun’s Bonus Bill
Bill would have paid for roads and canals with federal money.
Veto angered South … caused private businesses to step in.
Economically … country is going in different directions

8. Missouri Compromise Mo wants to be admitted to union
But … 11 free states and 11 slave states
What problem in particular would admitting Mo cause?
Compromise
MO admitted as slave
ME admitted as free
36 30 is dividing line bt slave and free

9. Monroe Doctrine (1821)
Doctrine stating that we will view European efforts to colonize in the Western hemisphere as threats
IRONY … empty threat
We had just fought a war and were in no position to enforce it
Will become relevant later