Why Did Nationalism Rose Rapidly In The 1820's

Nationalism rose rapidly in the 1820’s and influenced foreign policy. In 1816 voters elected James Monroe, and during his presidency, the economy grew rapidly, and a spirit of nationalism and optimism prevailed—”Era of Good Feelings.” In central and south America there were many revolts which had turned into a revolution. The idea of liberty had stirred the people of Latin America ever since the English colonies gained their freedom. The United States took a deep interest in what seemed to be a repetition of their own experience breaking away from European rule. Many Americans had established profitable trade with Latin America, and believed that the Spanish empire revolutions would further strengthen America’s position in the region. In 1822,
Monroe established diplomatic relations with other nations. This recognition confirmed their status as genuinely independent countries, entirely separated from their former European connections. Russia, Prussia and Austria formed an association called the Holy Alliance to protect themselves against revolution. But when the Alliance announced its intention of restoring its former colonies to Spain, Americans became very concerned. Britain resolved to prevent Spain from restoring its empire because trade with Latin America was too important. In 1823 Monroe announced the “Monroe Doctrine.” The Monroe Doctrine was created because American lawmakers wanted to deter any foreign country from taking lands in the Americas that the United States might someday claim. It declared the Americas off limits to European colonization. The Monroe Doctrine established a growing sense of nationalism and the idea that the United States was the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere.