-
End of the War of 1812
The War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent, resolving pre-war boundaries without resolving the war’s causes. Before news of the treaty reached the U.S., the Battle of New Orleans saw General Andrew Jackson’s key victory. The war boosted U.S. nationalism and unity, with key successes like Fort McHenry’s defense. Native American resistance weakened, and no territory changed hands. It marked the start of better U.S.-British relations.
"Desperate courage makes One a majority" -
James Monroe elected president
James Monroe was elected the 5th U.S. President and served from 1817 to 1825. His presidency, saw political unity after the War of 1812. The Federalist Party started to decline and the country became united. Monroe is best remembered for the Monroe Doctrine. He oversaw the Adams-Onís Treaty, the Missouri Compromise, etc. Increasing American territory and boosting national identity were the main goals of his leadership.
"Sometimes things fall apart, so that better things can fall together." -
The admission of Indiana as a state
Indiana was admitted as the 19th U.S. state in 1816. James Monroe promoted expansion during this time and its admission followed rapid settlement and population growth in the Indiana Territory. The state’s constitution emphasized education and banned slavery, aligning with Northwest Ordinance principles. Indiana’s statehood reflected the westward expansion and growing influence of frontier regions.
"There is nothing permanent except change." -
Rush-Bagot Treaty
This Treaty was an agreement between the U.S and Great Britain, negotiated by British Minister Charles Bagot to limit weaponry on the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. It marked a significant step in U.S.-British relations, promoting peaceful diplomacy and reducing military presence along the U.S.-Canada border. The treaty laid the groundwork for the world's longest undefended border.
"It feels more critical than ever to uphold the Rule of Law, at the heart of which is proper Access to Justice." -
Period: to
First Seminole War
The First Seminole War saw Andrew Jackson lead U.S. forces into Spanish Florida to combat Seminoles and capture escaped enslaved people (Fredrick Douglass). Territorial expansion, resistance, and sovereignty highlight U.S. ambitions and Native American struggles during this conflict.
"Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error." -
Acquisition of Florida from Spain (Adams-Onís Treaty)
The Acquisition of Florida from Spain, through the Adams-Onís Treaty negotiated by John Quincy Adams, transferred Florida to the U.S. in exchange for settling $5 million in claims against Spain. Spanish minister Luis de Onís resolved border disputes peacefully. This represented diplomacy, territorial expansion, and U.S. efforts to secure strategic control in the southeast.
"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." -
Panic of 1819
This was the first major U.S. economic crisis, was triggered by land speculation, falling crop prices, and tight credit from the Second Bank of the United States. Themes of financial instability, government policy, and economic inequality highlighted tensions in a rapidly growing economy. As president, Monroe faced criticism for his administration's handling of the crisis.
"A king without power is an absurdity." -
McCulloch v. Maryland
McCulloch v. Maryland was a landmark Supreme Court case where Chief Justice John Marshall upheld Congress's power to establish a national bank and ruled that states could not tax federal institutions. James McCulloch, a bank official, challenged Maryland's tax. Themes include federalism, the supremacy of federal law, and the implied powers of the Constitution.
"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise, led by Henry Clay, admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in Congress. It banned slavery north in the Louisiana Territory. It led to sectionalism, the balance of power, etc. Henry Clay and Daniel Webster played a big role in easing tensions between the North and the South.
“I know no North, no South, no East, no West.”The Union is my country; the thirty States are my country.” -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe and crafted by John Quincy Adams, declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization and interference. It asserted U.S. influence in the Americas while promoting independence for new nations. Themes include nationalism, foreign policy, etc.
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." -
Gibbons v. Ogden
Gibbons v. Ogden was a Supreme Court case where Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that only the federal government, not states, could regulate interstate commerce. The case involved Thomas Gibbons, who challenged Aaron Ogden’s steamboat monopoly. This was part of the rise of the American system of having a strong federal government. Themes include federalism, the scope of federal power, and the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
"The power to tax is the power to destroy." -
Indian Removal Act
This act was signed by President Andrew Jackson and his Vice President John C.Calhoun,authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to territories west of the Mississippi River.Jackson championed the policy, and leaders of the Cherokee and Choctaw were involved as well. This led to part of the Age of reform with people like Susan B Anthony leading movements to combat rights being taken away."In looking back, I see nothing to regret and little to correct."