American Pageant Chapter 12 APUSH Review (Period 4)

Summary

The video explores the War of 1812 and the subsequent Era of Good Feelings, highlighting early struggles for the U.S. and the war's eventual stalemate. Key figures like Andrew Jackson emerge, alongside the decline of the Federalist Party following the Hartford Convention. The Era is marked by heightened nationalism, the dominance of the Democratic-Republicans, and Henry Clay's American System, which sought economic improvement but stirred sectional tensions, especially with the Missouri Compromise. The Supreme Court under John Marshall expanded federal power, and the Monroe Doctrine asserted U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The War of 1812 began poorly for the United States due to internal divisions and military failures, including a failed invasion of Canada.
• 😀 Key events of the war included the British burning Washington, D.C., and the successful defense of Fort McHenry, which inspired the writing of the 'Star-Spangled Banner.'
• 😀 The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 in a stalemate, with no significant territorial changes for either side.
• 😀 The post-war period, known as the Era of Good Feelings, was marked by a surge in American nationalism and the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party.
• 😀 During the Era of Good Feelings, the Democratic-Republicans began adopting some Federalist policies, indicating a shift in political dynamics.
• 😀 The Panic of 1819 marked the first major economic downturn under the Constitution, causing widespread unemployment and financial instability.
• 😀 The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was significant for maintaining the balance between slave and free states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.
• 😀 Supreme Court decisions during this era, particularly those under Chief Justice John Marshall, reinforced federal authority and the supremacy of federal law over state law.
• 😀 The Monroe Doctrine asserted that European powers should not intervene in the Western Hemisphere, reflecting a growing sense of American nationalism in foreign policy.
• 😀 Secretary of State John Quincy Adams played a crucial role in foreign policy successes, including the acquisition of Florida and establishing joint occupation of Oregon Territory with Britain.

Q & A

What were the initial challenges faced by the United States during the War of 1812?

The War of 1812 started poorly for the United States due to deep national divisions, particularly opposition from Federalists in Congress and merchants in New England. Early battles were unsuccessful, including a failed invasion of Canada.

What significant event occurred when the British attacked Washington, D.C.?

During the War of 1812, the British burned Washington, D.C., which was a major highlight of their military campaign against the United States.

How did the Battle of Fort McHenry influence American nationalism?

The successful defense of Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which became a symbol of American resilience and nationalism during the war.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Ghent?

The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 with a stalemate, maintaining pre-war boundaries and resolving nothing significant, as both sides were weary of fighting.

What role did the Hartford Convention play in the Federalist Party's decline?

At the Hartford Convention, some Federalists discussed grievances about the war and even hinted at secession, which was seen as unpatriotic. This perception contributed to the downfall of the Federalist Party as a national political force.

What characterized the Era of Good Feelings in American history?

The Era of Good Feelings was marked by increased nationalism, the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party, and a temporary absence of significant political opposition, although underlying sectional tensions remained.

What was the American System proposed by Henry Clay?

The American System was an economic plan that included protective tariffs to support American industry, the establishment of the Second Bank of the United States for financial stability, and internal improvements like roads and canals.

What was the significance of the Missouri Compromise of 1820?

The Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, maintaining the balance between slave and free states and prohibiting slavery in territories north of the 36°30' line.

How did the Supreme Court under John Marshall expand federal power?

The Supreme Court, led by John Marshall, issued rulings that established federal laws as superior to state laws, notably in cases like McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden, which strengthened federal authority.

What was the Monroe Doctrine, and what did it signify for U.S. foreign policy?

The Monroe Doctrine was a policy that warned European powers against intervening in the Western Hemisphere, asserting U.S. interests in Latin America and marking a significant step toward asserting American nationalism in foreign affairs.