Dbq Nationalism And Sectionalism
America faced many changes after the war of 1812 in many aspects. Most changes were extremely positive and therefore the time after the war was labeled the, “Era of Good Feelings.” Many topics could support this claim; however the emergence of nationalism and sectionalism helped determine the extreme accuracy of this label. Nationalism delivered a sense of pride and a new found love for the peoples’ free country of America; such as the 4th of July, and the protesting against the Russian “Holy Alliance.” Sectionalism, on the other hand, produced more positive advances for the north while the south received little attention. Incorporating events such as the panic of 1819, slavery disputes, and poor taxation made this a negative outcome. It
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is extremely important for people to have pride in their country. Thanks to the American’s new found love for their land, a sense of self-importance emerged among the populace. The 4th of July, a new national holiday celebrating the independence of America, is a strong example of the new, nationalistic attitudes of Americans. Numerous celebrations were held on this day, as shown in John Krimmel’s painting of Centre Square, Philadelphia in 1819 (Doc. C). It shows the festivities that occurred on this infamous day. Along with the celebratory part of nationalism, what also comes is preserving your national customs. In a diary entry of John Quincy Adams on November 7, 1823 he wrote about sending a minister to protest against the interposition of the Holy Alliance of Russia; and at the same time decline the power of Great Britain (Doc H.). Another event that contributed to nationalism was the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. The US proceeded to declare the states off-limits to Britain. It was also a continuation of the neutrality and isolationist policies set by Washington. Because of these actions, US recognized the British colonies in the states, but will protect the states, and new countries will be developed in North and South America. Lastly, no British colonization in America will be permitted, as long as America does not interfere with European affairs.
Nationalism did arise during this era, and it was extremely influential, however sectionalism took a negative toll on the American life.
A Congress letter by John Randolph in 1816 discussed how Congress should regulate commerce and not levy taxes. The taxes favored manufacturers, and they became wealthy, while the southern farmers were extremely poor because of these duties (Doc A.). Along with extreme taxing, came great expansion west because of the population growth. This would seem like a good thing, but only to some parts of the US; particularly the North. The “National Road” was the first improved road to be funded by the federal government. Therefore, the north received roads, canals, and federal aid. The East received protective tariffs, and the South received close to nothing. Slavery was still prominent in the south, and no government aid was provided. In a letter from Anna Hayes Johnson in Charleston, South Carolina, to her cousin in Raleigh, North Carolina, she discusses the slavery dispute in the North and South. Slavery was temporarily dealt with by the Missouri Compromise in 1820; but it was not until later that a permanent abolishment was made (Doc G.). Another instance of Sectionalism was the Panic of 1819. What caused this was the deflation in crop prices; especially cotton as Britain demanded drops and cheaper resources. Also, over speculation of the land made the western farmers unable to pay loans from the US banks. The Bank of the US had suddenly tightened their credits; which incorporated tougher loan requirements, and requirements for specie from state banks. Lastly, politically, sectionalism was very obvious. In maps of popular votes and electoral votes from 1820 and 1824, it was clear that by 1824, different states had begun to vote for different presidents (Doc I.). Eventually, the US was divided into different political parties; and thus, political emerged and changed the US forever. In summary, sectionalism had emerged and what seemed
like divided the country forever. Many unfair taxes and demands from the bank made this era difficult, but also helped the political aspect of our nation
In any event, there is no doubt that the emergence of nationalism and sectionalism in the states helped label this time as the “Era of Good Feelings.” Between the 4th of July celebrations, protesting the Holy Alliance; and the Panic of 1819, the accuracy of this label is very exact. The nationalism reactions affected everyone in a positive way, but the sectionalist reactions were mostly divided between the north and south. The documents among this evaluation can support these claims and show the drastic changes that happened during this time period.
is extremely important for people to have pride in their country. Thanks to the American’s new found love for their land, a sense of self-importance emerged among the populace. The 4th of July, a new national holiday celebrating the independence of America, is a strong example of the new, nationalistic attitudes of Americans. Numerous celebrations were held on this day, as shown in John Krimmel’s painting of Centre Square, Philadelphia in 1819 (Doc. C). It shows the festivities that occurred on this infamous day. Along with the celebratory part of nationalism, what also comes is preserving your national customs. In a diary entry of John Quincy Adams on November 7, 1823 he wrote about sending a minister to protest against the interposition of the Holy Alliance of Russia; and at the same time decline the power of Great Britain (Doc H.). Another event that contributed to nationalism was the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. The US proceeded to declare the states off-limits to Britain. It was also a continuation of the neutrality and isolationist policies set by Washington. Because of these actions, US recognized the British colonies in the states, but will protect the states, and new countries will be developed in North and South America. Lastly, no British colonization in America will be permitted, as long as America does not interfere with European affairs.
Nationalism did arise during this era, and it was extremely influential, however sectionalism took a negative toll on the American life.
A Congress letter by John Randolph in 1816 discussed how Congress should regulate commerce and not levy taxes. The taxes favored manufacturers, and they became wealthy, while the southern farmers were extremely poor because of these duties (Doc A.). Along with extreme taxing, came great expansion west because of the population growth. This would seem like a good thing, but only to some parts of the US; particularly the North. The “National Road” was the first improved road to be funded by the federal government. Therefore, the north received roads, canals, and federal aid. The East received protective tariffs, and the South received close to nothing. Slavery was still prominent in the south, and no government aid was provided. In a letter from Anna Hayes Johnson in Charleston, South Carolina, to her cousin in Raleigh, North Carolina, she discusses the slavery dispute in the North and South. Slavery was temporarily dealt with by the Missouri Compromise in 1820; but it was not until later that a permanent abolishment was made (Doc G.). Another instance of Sectionalism was the Panic of 1819. What caused this was the deflation in crop prices; especially cotton as Britain demanded drops and cheaper resources. Also, over speculation of the land made the western farmers unable to pay loans from the US banks. The Bank of the US had suddenly tightened their credits; which incorporated tougher loan requirements, and requirements for specie from state banks. Lastly, politically, sectionalism was very obvious. In maps of popular votes and electoral votes from 1820 and 1824, it was clear that by 1824, different states had begun to vote for different presidents (Doc I.). Eventually, the US was divided into different political parties; and thus, political emerged and changed the US forever. In summary, sectionalism had emerged and what seemed
like divided the country forever. Many unfair taxes and demands from the bank made this era difficult, but also helped the political aspect of our nation
In any event, there is no doubt that the emergence of nationalism and sectionalism in the states helped label this time as the “Era of Good Feelings.” Between the 4th of July celebrations, protesting the Holy Alliance; and the Panic of 1819, the accuracy of this label is very exact. The nationalism reactions affected everyone in a positive way, but the sectionalist reactions were mostly divided between the north and south. The documents among this evaluation can support these claims and show the drastic changes that happened during this time period.