12.3 Nationalism pp. 399-402

Objective: Investigate why national pride increased in the early 1800s.

A. National Unity (p. 399) The War of 1812 stirred strong feelings of nationalism, or feelings of pride and devotion, among Americans everywhere. Americans thought more than ever about their nation’s interests, needs, and goals. They wanted the nation to be independent and self-sufficient.

B. An “Era of Good Feelings” (pp. 399-400) In 1816 James Monroe easily won election as the nation’s fifth President. A newspaper editor wrote that an “Era of Good Feelings” had begun, with nationalism and unity replacing sectionalism and party loyalties. By 1820 Federalists had vanished from national politics and President Monroe was reelected without opposition.

C. The American System (p. 400) Henry Clay, a Republican and Speaker of the House, proposed a nationalist program to improve the country. Clay’s “American System” aimed to help the economy of each section of the country and increase the power of the federal government. Clay called for higher tariffs, a Bank of the United States, and internal improvements (roads, bridges, and canals).

D. How the “American System” Worked

E. Another National Bank (p. 401) In 1816 the Republican majority in Congress brought back the national bank, which had been allowed to end in 1811. A few years earlier, the Republicans had been strong critics of the bank. But when closing the first bank caused chaos, confusion, and inflation, or rising prices, the Republican majority began to recognize the important stabilizing effect of a Second Bank of the United States.

F. Trade Protection (p. 401) By flooding the U.S. with their goods after the War of 1812, the British hoped to keep American businesses from competing. In 1816 Congress passed a new protective tariff, or tax on imports. The tariff made imported goods—like those from Britain—more expensive and encouraged people to buy cheaper American-made goods.

Review: Define nationalism— Who was our fifth President? What did one newspaper editor refer to the period after the War of 1812 as? What three things did Henry Clay’s “American System” call for? What is a protective tariff and how does it work?