America on the WORLD STAGE [APUSH Review Unit 4 Topic 4] Period 4—1800-1848

Summary

This video from Heimler’s History covers the expansion of U.S. territory and influence in the Western Hemisphere during the early 19th century. It highlights the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812, and subsequent territorial negotiations, including the U.S.-Canada border and the Adams-Onis Treaty, where the U.S. acquired Florida from Spain. The video also discusses the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which aimed to limit European interference in the Americas. Finally, it touches on U.S. trade expansion and its role in fueling the Market Revolution.

Takeaways

• 📜 The video focuses on how the U.S. government expanded its territory and influence in the Western Hemisphere during the early 19th century.
• 🗺️ After the War of 1812, the Treaty of Ghent left some border issues with Canada unresolved. President James Monroe sent John Quincy Adams to negotiate a treaty, setting the border at the 49th parallel and establishing joint U.S.-British occupation of the Oregon Territory.
• ⚔️ The Florida Territory, controlled by Spain, became a hotspot of conflict due to raids by Seminole Indians and runaway slaves. General Andrew Jackson was sent to secure the border without directly engaging Spanish forces.
• 💥 Despite Monroe's caution, Jackson attacked Spanish forts and executed several leaders, leading to tension with Britain and Spain. However, Spain eventually agreed to sell Florida through the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819.
• 🏛️ The Adams-Onis Treaty not only secured Florida for the U.S. but also established clear borders between U.S. and Spanish territories in the West.
• 🌎 President Monroe recognized the independence of several Latin American countries by 1822, reducing European colonial influence in the Americas.
• 🚫 The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 declared the Western Hemisphere as the U.S.'s sphere of influence, warning European powers against intervening in the region.
• 🐶 The Monroe Doctrine was compared to a dog marking its territory, signaling U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere and asserting control over regional affairs.
• 💼 Trade was a major motivator for the U.S.'s expansionist policies, with increased trade with Mexico and growing interest in trade with China, leading to thoughts of expanding into Pacific territories.
• 🏭 The growing demand for U.S. goods spurred the Market Revolution, which transformed manufacturing and economic practices in the country, leading to further growth and development.

Q & A

What was the main goal of U.S. foreign policy in the early 19th century?

The main goal was to expand U.S. territory and influence in the Western Hemisphere, minimizing European involvement and asserting control over nearby regions.

How did the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 affect U.S. foreign relations?

The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain, but left unresolved territorial issues, especially regarding Canada. This prompted further diplomatic actions to clarify borders.

What was the significance of the border established at the 49th parallel?

The U.S.-British agreement to establish the 49th parallel as the U.S.-Canada border helped avoid future conflicts and created a shared occupation of the Oregon Territory for ten years.

Why did Spain lose control of the Florida Territory?

Spain struggled to govern Florida effectively due to focusing its resources on quelling rebellions in South America, leading to lawlessness in Florida and eventually ceding it to the U.S.

What was the Adams-Onis Treaty, and why was it significant?

The Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 was a formal agreement between the U.S. and Spain, granting Florida to the U.S. and establishing a clear border between U.S. and Spanish territories in the West.

How did the Monroe Doctrine aim to shape foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere?

The Monroe Doctrine declared that European nations should avoid intervening in the Western Hemisphere, establishing U.S. dominance and preventing European influence in the Americas.

How did the independence of Latin American countries affect U.S. foreign policy?

The independence movements in Latin America motivated the U.S. to recognize these new nations diplomatically and reinforced the Monroe Doctrine's stance against European colonialism in the region.

What role did trade play in motivating U.S. foreign policy during this period?

Trade was a significant motivator; the U.S. sought to secure new markets for its goods, including Mexico and China, while envisioning future trade opportunities in the Pacific Islands.

What was the 'Market Revolution,' and why is it relevant to U.S. foreign policy?

The Market Revolution was an economic shift in the U.S. that increased manufacturing and trade, partly driven by growing demand for American goods abroad, shaping U.S. interests in expanding markets.

How does the script humorously describe the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine is humorously likened to a 'giant American dog' marking its territory over the Western Hemisphere, signaling to Europeans that it was now 'U.S. property.'