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James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings
It is called the “Era of Good Feelings” because there was only one dominant political party, the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists faded after the War of 1812, and a new spirit of nationalism was sweeping America. -
Digging begins on the Erie Canal (VUS.6b)
This kicks off the beginning of the great “canal era”, which linked waterways and connected farmers to manufacturing and shipping centers. The canals, roads and eventually railroads would help lead America into an industrial age! Read MORE -
Adams-Onis Treaty; the Purchase of Florida (VUS.6b)
America’s hunger for more land pressed into Spanish Florida. After the War of 1812, there was increased migration into the territory. Unable to deal with violence with the Indian population and the settlers, the Spanish Government agreed to sell the land to the United States. Read MORE -
McCulloch v. Maryland (VUS.5e)
The “John Marshall Court” ruled that 1) the implied powers permitted the creation of a National Bank, and 2) state governments and the federal government may not tax each other. This, like many court decisions from John Marshall, strengthened the power of the national government.
MORE on the court case and decision -
Missouri Compromise (VUS.6e)
The Missouri Compromise preserved the balance of free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state. To avoid future disputes, an east-west line through the Louisiana Purchase, with slavery prohibited above the line and allowed below. Read MORE -
Lowell, Mass kicks off American Manufacturing (VUS.6b,e)
Copied from the British, manufacturing came to the New England states using rivers as a power source. This first industrial age was dominated by textile mills which relied on cotton from the South. Read MORE -
Monroe Doctrine (VUS.6b)
A statement of isolationism, this foreign policy statement included: 1) the Western Hemisphere was closed to colonization by Europe, 2) the US would remain neutral in European affairs, 3) Europe must not interfere with free nations in the Americas, and 4) different forms of government existed in the “Old World” and the “New World”. Read MORE -
Gibbons v. Ogden (VUS.5e)
The “John Marshall Court” ruled that 1) Congress held the authority to regulate interstate commerce, and 2) guaranteed that the courts had the ultimate power to decide competing interests between states, between levels of government, or the branches of government.
MORE on the court case and decision
