4.3 - Politics and Regional Interests

The Era of Good Feelings

• Overview: The election of James Monroe in 1816 marked what was termed the "Era of Good Feelings," characterized by nationalism, optimism, and goodwill.

• Political Unity: The Federalist Party faded, and the Democratic-Republicans adopted some of their policies, leading to a perception of political unity.

• Underlying Tensions: Despite the nickname, debates over tariffs, the national bank, internal improvements, and public land sales continued. Sectional tensions over slavery were also rising.

Economic Nationalism

• Post-War Political Movement: Aimed at supporting national economic growth through internal improvements and protectionist policies.

Tariff of 1816

• Purpose: Raised tariffs to protect U.S. manufacturers from British competition.

• Support and Opposition: Supported by most regions except New England, which had little manufacturing at the time.

• Significance: First protective tariff, protecting U.S. manufactured items from overseas competition

The Panic of 1819

• Causes: Economic disaster triggered by the Second Bank of the United States tightening credit to control inflation.

• Effects: Bank closures, unemployment, bankruptcies, and foreclosures on western farmland. Shook nationalistic beliefs and led to calls for land reform and opposition to the national bank and debtors' prisons.

Western Settlement

• Population Growth: Western population doubled due to the acquisition of new lands, economic pressures, improved transportation, and immigration.

• Reasons for Westward Movement:

  • Acquisition of Lands: Military victories opened new territories.

  • Economic Pressures: Northeast economic difficulties and southern soil exhaustion drove people west.

  • Improved Transportation: Roads, canals, steamboats, and railroads facilitated movement.

  • Immigration: Cheap land attracted European immigrants.

The Missouri Compromise

Background

• Sectional Balance: Since Vermont (a free state) and Kentucky (a slave state) entered the Union in 1791-1792, maintaining a balance between free and slave states in Congress was a priority.

• Senate Balance: The Senate remained evenly divided with 11 free states and 11 slave states, allowing southern senators to block legislation they opposed.

Missouri's Statehood Bid

• Significance: Missouri's application for statehood in 1819 alarmed the North as it was a slave state. Admitting Missouri as a slave state would tip the balance in favor of the South.

• Louisiana Purchase: Missouri was the first territory from the Louisiana Purchase to apply for statehood, raising concerns about the future status of other territories from the purchase.

Tallmadge Amendment

• Proposed by: Representative James Tallmadge from New York.

• Provisions:

  1. Prohibit further introduction of slaves into Missouri.

  2. Emancipate children of Missouri slaves at age 25.

• Outcome: The amendment was defeated in the Senate. Southerners saw it as a step towards abolishing slavery in all states.

Clay’s Proposals: The Missouri Compromise

• Henry Clay's Role: After months of heated debate, Henry Clay proposed a compromise consisting of three parts:

  1. Admit Missouri as a slave state.

  2. Admit Maine as a free state.

  3. Prohibit slavery in the rest of the Louisiana Territory north of latitude 36° 30'.

• Passage: Both houses of Congress passed the bills, and President Monroe signed them into law in March 1820, known as the Missouri Compromise.

Aftermath

• Sectional Feelings: The compromise temporarily subsided sectional tensions over slavery.

• Preservation of Balance: The Missouri Compromise maintained the balance between free and slave states for over 30 years, allowing time for the nation to mature.

• Nationalism vs. Sectionalism: Despite the compromise, Americans remained divided between loyalty to the Union (nationalism) and loyalty to their own regions (sectionalism).

Map

• Geographic Impact: The Missouri Compromise delineated territories open to slavery and those closed to slavery based on the 36° 30' latitude line.