APUSH: Period 4, 1800-1848 - The War of 1812 and the Era of Good Feelings

Why This Matters

The War of 1812 and the Era of Good Feelings are significant because they marked a turning point in American history, shaping the country's identity, politics, and foreign policy. The War of 1812, fought between the United States and the British Empire, was a defining moment in American history, testing the nation's sovereignty and unity. The subsequent Era of Good Feelings, characterized by a period of national unity and economic growth, laid the groundwork for the country's westward expansion and the rise of American nationalism. This period is essential for understanding the AP theme of American Identity, as it highlights the nation's struggle to define itself and assert its independence in the face of external threats.

Key Events & People

• The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair (1807): A British warship, HMS Leopard, fired on the American warship USS Chesapeake, leading to widespread outrage and calls for war with Britain.
• The Embargo Act of 1807: President Thomas Jefferson signed this law, which prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations, in an attempt to avoid war with Britain and France.
• The War Hawks (1812): A group of young, nationalistic politicians, including Henry Clay, John Calhoun, and Richard M. Johnson, advocated for war with Britain to assert American sovereignty.
• The Treaty of Ghent (1814): This treaty officially ended the War of 1812, restoring relations between the United States and Britain to what they were before the war.
• James Monroe (1817-1825): As president, Monroe oversaw a period of national unity and economic growth, earning the nickname "The Era of Good Feelings."
• The Missouri Compromise (1820): This law admitted Missouri as a slave state and banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel, highlighting the growing tensions over slavery.
• The Tariff of 1816: This law raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries and raise revenue for the government.
• The Second Bank of the United States (1816): This national bank was established to stabilize the currency and manage government finances.
• The Adams-Onís Treaty (1819): This treaty established the border between the United States and Spanish Florida, marking the beginning of American expansion into the region.
• The American System (1815-1828): This economic program, advocated by Henry Clay, aimed to promote American industry and infrastructure development through tariffs, internal improvements, and a national bank.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The British practice of impressment, where American sailors were forced into British service, led to widespread outrage and calls for war.
• Effect: The War of 1812 was declared, testing the nation's sovereignty and unity.

• Long-term consequence: The war led to a shift in American foreign policy, with the country becoming more assertive and nationalistic.

• Cause: The Embargo Act of 1807 failed to achieve its goals, leading to widespread economic hardship and calls for a more aggressive foreign policy.

• Effect: The War Hawks emerged, advocating for war with Britain to assert American sovereignty.

• Long-term consequence: The War of 1812 marked a turning point in American history, shaping the country's identity and foreign policy.

• Cause: The Treaty of Ghent restored relations between the United States and Britain to what they were before the war.

• Effect: The Era of Good Feelings began, characterized by a period of national unity and economic growth.
• Long-term consequence: The era laid the groundwork for the country's westward expansion and the rise of American nationalism.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Implied powers*: The idea that the Constitution grants the federal government powers not explicitly stated in the document.
• *The American System*: An economic program aimed at promoting American industry and infrastructure development through tariffs, internal improvements, and a national bank.
• *The War Hawks*: A group of young, nationalistic politicians who advocated for war with Britain to assert American sovereignty.
• *The Era of Good Feelings*: A period of national unity and economic growth, characterized by the presidency of James Monroe.
• *The Missouri Compromise*: A law that admitted Missouri as a slave state and banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel.
• *The Tariff of 1816*: A law that raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries and raise revenue for the government.
• *The Second Bank of the United States*: A national bank established to stabilize the currency and manage government finances.
• *The Adams-Onís Treaty*: A treaty that established the border between the United States and Spanish Florida.
• *Impressment*: The British practice of forcing American sailors into British service.
• *The Embargo Act of 1807*: A law that prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The War of 1812 was fought primarily over the issue of slavery.
• Correction: The war was fought over issues such as impressment, trade restrictions, and British support for Native American resistance.

• Memory trick: Remember the War of 1812 as a conflict over American sovereignty and unity, rather than slavery.

• What students often get wrong: The Era of Good Feelings began immediately after the War of 1812.

• Correction: The era began in 1817, during the presidency of James Monroe.

• Memory trick: Associate the Era of Good Feelings with the presidency of James Monroe and the period of national unity and economic growth that followed the war.

• What students often get wrong: The Missouri Compromise was a major victory for the abolitionist movement.

• Correction: The compromise actually allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel.
• Memory trick: Remember the Missouri Compromise as a compromise that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state, rather than a major victory for the abolitionist movement.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the causes and consequences of the War of 1812. Be sure to discuss the role of the War Hawks and the impact of the war on American foreign policy.
  • Evidence: The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, the Embargo Act of 1807, the Treaty of Ghent, and the presidency of James Madison.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the significance of the Era of Good Feelings. Be sure to discuss the presidency of James Monroe and the impact of the era on American politics and economy.
  • Evidence: The presidency of James Monroe, the Tariff of 1816, the Second Bank of the United States, and the Adams-Onís Treaty.
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the impact of the Missouri Compromise on the debate over slavery in the United States. Be sure to analyze the compromise and its consequences for the country.
  • Evidence: The Missouri Compromise, the presidency of James Monroe, and the debates over slavery in the United States.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the War of 1812? a) Slavery b) Impressment c) Trade restrictions d) British support for Native American resistance

Answer: b) Impressment Explanation: The British practice of impressment, where American sailors were forced into British service, was a major cause of the War of 1812.

1. Who was the president during the Era of Good Feelings? a) Thomas Jefferson b) James Madison c) James Monroe d) Andrew Jackson

Answer: c) James Monroe Explanation: James Monroe was the president during the Era of Good Feelings, a period of national unity and economic growth.

1. What was the main consequence of the Missouri Compromise? a) The abolition of slavery in the United States b) The admission of Missouri as a free state c) The admission of Missouri as a slave state and the ban on slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel d) The expansion of slavery in the United States

Answer: c) The admission of Missouri as a slave state and the ban on slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel Explanation: The Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and banned slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The War of 1812 was fought from 1812 to 1815.
• The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814.
• The Era of Good Feelings began in 1817, during the presidency of James Monroe.
• The Missouri Compromise was passed in 1820.
• The Tariff of 1816 raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries and raise revenue for the government.
• The Second Bank of the United States was established in 1816.
• The Adams-Onís Treaty established the border between the United States and Spanish Florida.
• Impressment was the British practice of forcing American sailors into British service.
• The Embargo Act of 1807 prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations.
• The American System was an economic program aimed at promoting American industry and infrastructure development through tariffs, internal improvements, and a national bank.