Chapter 12 Review
“The Second War for Independence and the Upsurge of Nationalism”
Summary
The War of 1812 was a war that made little sense for either the United States or
Great Britain, and each nation came perilously close to losing. In the end, the conflict
ended in a virtual tie, though some long time issues between the two countries were
decided, including the U.S. abandoning its hopes of conquering Canada. Historically, the
War of 1812 was the last overt conflict between the United States and its former colonial
master. In the future the American/Anglo relationship would become as close as any in
annals of history. One important by-product of the war was a surge in nationalism;
economic, cultural, social and political. This nationalism was nurtured by a president
determined to heal old wounds who embarked on an “era of good feelings” where party
and sectional differences were forgotten. This was soon challenged. The 1820’s and
1830’s were highlighted by two forces, one divisive, the other unifying. The first
appeared during the Missouri debates, which despite overtones that resembled the earlier
Federalist-Republican clashes brought the issue of slavery and its expansion to the
forefront. The immediate question- which section would control the Senate- was the
more difficult to resolve. What the debates revealed was that some in the nation saw the
addition of slave states (not just western states, but slave states) as a threat. Southern
politicians had come to equate the expansion of slavery with the expansion of their own
political philosophy and power. Countering this divisive force was the growing spirit of
nationalism and the emergence of two parties-both with a national following.
The Big Picture
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The United States emerges from our “worst fought war” ready to turn inward
and develop a unique national spirit.
While the “era of good feelings” was indeed a period of unprecedented unity,
sectional differences loomed large on the horizon.
America in the first half of the nineteenth century is emerging as a potent
force in the western hemisphere determined to insulate itself from foreign
intervention.
What you should know
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The impacts (short and long) of the War of 1812.
The deep opposition to the war, especially in New England, and the threat of
secession at the Hartford Convention.
The skill of the American peace negotiators in crafting the Treaty of Ghent.
The arguments advanced by the North and South during the debates over the
admission of Missouri, and how they were to influence sectional attitudes.
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The ways in which the status of the Federal Judiciary was changed by the
Marshall Court and how the Court’s decisions altered the federal government
and the states and the federal government and business.
The reasons why President Monroe announced his “doctrine” in 1823 and its
impact on international relations at the time.
Note Cards
Invasion of Canada
Andrew Jackson
Hartford Convention
Nationalism
Erie Canal
Wildcat Banks
Tallmadge Amendment
McCulloch v. Maryland
Fletcher v. Peck
John Quincy Adams
Monroe Doctrine
Oliver Hazard Perry
Battle of New Orleans
Rush-Bagot Treaty
Henry Clay
James Monroe
Panic of 1819
Missouri Compromise
Cohens v. Virginia
Dartmouth College v. Woodward
Florida Purchase Treaty 1819
Russo-American Treaty 1824
Fort McHenry
Treaty of Ghent
Waterloo
The American System
Era of Good Feelings
Land Act 1820
Marshall Court
Gibbons v. Ogden
Daniel Webster
Treaty of 1818
Study Journal Questions
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What were the relative successes and failures of the American military during
the first year of the war? Be sure to address naval affairs during this time.
What was the result of the British invasion of the U.S. in 1814? Was the
invasion successful given the British hopes for the expedition?
Why was opposition to the war so virulent in New England? Contrast this
position with the general support of the war in the west.
What were the basic similarities in the arguments used in the Virginia and
Kentucky resolutions and the Hartford Convention?
What effect did the Hartford Convention have on the Federalist party?
What was the relative impact of the Battle of New Orleans? What did it do
for Andrew Jackson’s career?
What were the provisions of the Treaty of Ghent? Who got the better deal?
What is the “American System” and what was it designed to accomplish?
What were the major elements of disagreement in the debate over the
admission of Missouri into the Union?
Which group opposed Missouri’s entering the Union as a slave state? Why?
What was the Missouri Compromise? Why did nationalists regard it as a
resolution of a danger to the union? Why were others less optimistic?
What was the net effect of the opinions of delivered by the Marshall Court?
How did these opinions reflect John Marshall’s philosophy of government?
Why did President Monroe announce the “doctrine” when he did?
What specific dangers, if any, did he have in mind when he announced?
What was the impact of the doctrine at the time of its publication?