1. Era of Good Feelings

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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