Building a National Identity

Era of Good Feelings After the War of 1812 ended, Republican Party took control of the government. – Election of 1816—landslide victory for J. Monroe over Rufus King (Federalists began to lose power) Monroe wanted national unity – Spring/Summer 1817—traveled the nation greeting the citizens 1820 Election no one opposed Monroe

Building the National Economy People wanted the government to help increase economic prosperity 3 members of Congress spear-headed this campaign – Henry Clay (KY) – John C. Calhoun (SC) – Daniel Webster (MA)

Ideas of Clay, Calhoun, and Webster WestHenry Clay (KY)Believed United States needed better roads and canals to transport goods from one region to another SouthJohn C. CalhounDefended National Unity, but also stressed the importance of states’ rights NorthDaniel WebsterSupported tariffs because they would protect Northern industry

A New bank is created 1811, the charter for the first bank of the United States expired – Causing the economy to suffer – State banks made too many loans and issued too much money Caused an increase in spending and a rise in prices 1816, a 2 nd bank is established

Tariff of 1816 Foreign Competition made it difficult for Northerners to sale their goods competitively American industry had grown tremendously during the Embargo Act – Factories made textiles, iron, etc. British could produce goods cheaper than Americans – Drove man Americans out of business (Dumping) Northerners demanded help from Congress – Tariffs of 1816—taxed foreign goods – Southerners hated taxes

Henry Clay’s American System Clay had a plan to help each part of the United States thrive economically (AMERICAN SYSTEM) – Proposed high tariffs and federal program of public works High tariffs were to help all of U.S. – Enable northerners to buy farm products from the West and South. – Provided revenue to Federal Government Revenue could be use to build infrastructure in South/West Pres. Madison and Monroe both opposed full policy

How Tariffs work UNITED STATESGREAT BRITAIN Cost of Cloth$6.00$5.00 Cost to manufacture final product $0.85$0.50 Shipping Cost$0.20$0.25 Tariff $1.50 Total Cost$7.05$7.25

Supreme Court Cases McCulloch vs. Maryland: MD attempted to tax a branch of the Bank of the United States. – United States Bank refused to pay the tax Court ruled states did not have the power to interfere with federal institutions. State cannot pass any law that violates a federal law

Supreme Court Cases Dartmouth College v. Woodward: Court ruled the charter of Dartmouth College was a private contract. NH could not change Dartmouth’s charter – Promoted capitalism Gibbons v. Ogden: NY could not give a steamboat company a monopoly to carry passengers on the Hudson river. – Only Congress could regulate interstate commerce