Era of Good Feelings

After the War of 1812 Feeling of national unity In 1816, James Monroe (Republican) is elected almost without opposition. Very popular, tours the country Monroe wins re-election in 1820, losing only one electoral vote. ushistory.org

Sectionalism Unity does not last. People feel strong loyalty to the region they came from (north, south, west, etc.)=Sectionalism Slavery one issue. South argued states’ rights: claim federal government can’t make this decision Also disagreed over tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements (building things like canals and roads)

Sectionalism: 3 Leaders John C. Calhoun—South Carolina Supported state sovereignty (states control themselves), opposed high tariffs Daniel Webster—Massachusetts Supported tariffs and national unity Henry Clay—Kentucky Known for trying to resolve sectional disputes through compromise

Missouri Compromise, 1820 Will new states admitted into the Union have slaves? Each side wanted Missouri on their side Henry Clay works out a compromise Missouri=slave state Maine=free state Also banned slavery in all of Louisiana Territory north of 36 30’N parallel

Manifest Destiny Idea that it is America’s “Manifest Destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent which Providence has given us.” Extend all the way to the Pacific Ocean

Texas Controlled by Mexico (recently independent from Spain) Invited American settlers in at first Soon outnumbered Mexicans Wanted own government/independence Own country from 1836-1845 Annexed by the United States in 1845

New Mexico and California Territories New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, parts of Colorado and Wyoming California President Polk tried to buy the land, Mexico did not want to sell After annexation of Texas, tensions led to war 1848 Treaty signed: U.S. gets New Mexico and California; Mexico gets $15 million Gasden Purchase: U.S. buys strip of land in southern Arizona/New Mexico for $10 million

Age of Reform Many groups of people wanting to change/improve society Temperance: Alcohol blamed for many societal problems, movement to limit or ban Education Reform: idea that more people should have access to a free education, but still limited (women, African-Americans)

Age of Reform Abolitionists: movement to abolish slavery William Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass Equal rights for women: voting, education, property, and marriage laws Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony Seneca Falls Convention