1. Nationalism & The Era of Good Feelings

2. The Era of Good Feelings
James Monroe elected president in 1816
“Era of Good Feelings” is a term used to describe his two terms in office
Monroe years marked by a spirit of nationalism, optimism, and good will
Republicans dominated politics in every region of the country
This sense of cultural and political unity however turned out to be illusory

3. James Monroe
Revolutionary War veteran and prominent leader of the Republican party
Also held high-level diplomatic roles
Continued Virginia’s dynasty of presidents (first four out of five were from VA)

4. Cultural Nationalism
Monroe was supported by a younger generation of Americans
Excited about the prospects of a new nation expanding westward
Little concern for European politics
The idea that the young country was entering an era of unlimited prosperity
Patriotic themes found everywhere in society (painting, literature, school textbooks, etc.)
Ideas of nationalism and patriotism dominated the 19th Century

5. Economic Nationalism Political movement to support the growing economy
Subsidize internal improvements
Protecting U.S. industries from European competition
Tariff of 1816– raised tariff rates on certain imports for the purpose of protecting U.S. manufacturers (made it more expensive for foreign goods to be shipped here)
During War of 1812– factories built to supply goods that we were no longer getting from Britain
In peacetime it was feared that British goods would be dumped on the market and take away much of American manufacturers’ business
Tariff of 1816 the first protective tariff in U.S. history
Generally well supported

6. Henry Clay’s American System
Leader in the House of Representatives from Kentucky
Proposes a plan to advance the nation’s economic growth:
Protective tariffs
National Bank
Internal improvements

7. Henry Clay’s American System
Protective Tariffs– promote American manufacturing and raise revenue to build a national transportation system of roads and canals
National Bank– would keep the system running smoothly by providing a national currency
Internal improvements- improved transportation would promote growth in the West and the South

8. Henry Clay’s American System
Two parts of Clay’s system– the protective tariff and the Second Bank of the United States– were already in place by 1816
In regards to internal improvements, Monroe objected the Constitution did not explicitly provide for spending of federal money on roads and canals
Individual states were left to make internal improvements on their own

9. ? Define cultural nationalism. What did the Tariff of 1816 do?
What happened to American manufacturing during the War of 1812?
List the three parts to Henry Clay’s American System.
Why did the federal government not address internal improvements in the country’s infrastructure?