Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Historical Context of the Period 1815-1828

This period began just after the War of 1812, a conflict that pitted the United States

against the United Kingdom and its allies. Although the war ended without a decisive victory for

either side, it had a significant impact on the young American nation. The war fostered a sense of

unity and nationalism among American citizens, as they had managed to resist one of the world's

greatest powers.

The nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812 manifested itself in a number of

ways. In politics, a movement was seen toward policies that promoted the growth and expansion

of the United States. In the economy, there was a shift toward policies that favored industrial

development and westward expansion. In culture, there was an increase in the production of

literature and art that celebrated the unique identity of the United States.

However, this period also witnessed the emergence of sectional tensions. As the United

States continued to expand westward, conflicts arose over slavery and other issues. These

tensions would eventually lead to the Civil War.

Moreover, this period saw the beginning of the "Age of Good Feelings," a time of

apparent political unity. However, this era was short-lived, as sectional and political tensions

soon brought them to an end.

During this time, the federal government also achieved several diplomatic

achievements. These included treaties with various foreign nations that helped establish U.S.

borders and promote trade.

 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Finally, this period saw the emergence of Andrew Jackson as a dominant political

figure. Jackson, a war hero and charismatic politician, had a major influence on national politics

and eventually became president in 1828.

Rise of Nationalism

The nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812 was a phenomenon that affected

every facet of American society. This sense of national pride and unity manifested itself in a

series of economic policies and judicial decisions.

In economic terms, nationalism translated into strong support for policies that promoted

U.S. growth and expansion. This included the promotion of industrialization and westward

expansion. These policies helped strengthen the U.S. economy and establish the country as an

emerging power on the world stage.

In the judicial realm, nationalism also had a significant impact. Judicial decisions of this

period often reflected a strong sense of national unity and a desire to advance the interests of the

United States. These decisions helped consolidate the power of the federal government and lay

the foundation for future growth and expansion of the United States.

The spirit of nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812 had a profound impact on

U.S. economic policies and judicial decisions. This nationalism helped shape the nation's identity

and lay the foundation for its future growth and expansion.
 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Rise of Sectionalism
As nationalism grew, so did sectional tensions. These tensions stemmed from

fundamental differences in the economies, societies, and cultures of different regions of the

United States.

Economic differences were particularly pronounced. While the North was rapidly

industrializing, the South continued to rely on an agricultural economy based on slavery. These

economic differences led to conflicts over issues such as tariffs and the expansion of slavery into

the new territories.

Social and cultural differences also contributed to sectional tensions. Attitudes toward

slavery, religion, education, and other issues varied widely among different regions. These

differences were often reflected in politics, leading to conflict and division.

A number of problems and ideas promoted sectional conflict during this period. Although

nationalism was on the rise, sectional tensions were beginning to emerge and would eventually

lead to significant conflicts.

To dig deeper, sectional tensions became evident in several key aspects during this

period. One of the most notable was the issue of slavery. While the North was moving toward a

more industrialized economy and less dependent on slavery, the South was still heavily

dependent on slavery for its agricultural economy. This led to significant conflict over whether

or not to allow slavery in the new territories that were being added to the United States.
 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Another important aspect was the issue of tariffs. The North, with its industrial economy,

tended to favor high tariffs to protect its industries. However, the South, which depended on the

importation of manufactured goods, opposed these tariffs. This issue also led to significant

conflicts between the North and the South.

These sectional tensions would eventually lead to the Civil War, a conflict that would be

one of the most devastating in U.S. history.

"Age of Good Feelings"

The Age of Good Feelings is a term used to describe a period in American history that

was characterized by a sense of political unity and a strong spirit of nationalism. This period,

which began after the War of 1812 and lasted until about 1824, was a time when there was little

partisan conflict and the country seemed to be united in its vision and purpose.

During this Era, the country underwent a number of significant changes and

developments. There was strong economic growth, driven in part by westward expansion and

industrialization. There were also important advances in infrastructure, such as the construction

of roads, canals and railways, which helped to connect the different regions of the country and

foster trade and communication.

However, despite these positive developments, it was not without its conflicts and

challenges. As the country continued to expand and develop, tensions arose between different

groups and interests. These tensions manifested themselves in debates over issues such as

slavery, states' rights, and economic policy.

 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Moreover, although the Age of Good Feelings was characterized by a sense of political

unity, this period also saw the beginning of new political divisions. As new issues and challenges

emerged, political leaders and citizens began to divide around different visions for the country's

future. These divisions would eventually lead to the end of the "Age of Good Feelings" and the

beginning of a new period of conflict and political division.

A period of apparent unity and growth in the United States. However, it was also a time

of change and conflict, as the country grappled with new challenges and tensions.

Federal Government's Diplomatic Achievements

During this period, the U.S. federal government achieved a number of important

diplomatic achievements. These accomplishments helped establish U.S. borders, promote trade,

and improve relations with other nations.

One of the most notable diplomatic achievements of this period was the acquisition of

Florida from Spain in 1819. This agreement, known as the Adams-Onís Treaty, not only added

new territory to the United States, but also helped improve relations between the United States

and Spain.

Another major achievement was the Monroe Doctrine, announced by President James

Monroe in 1823. This policy declared that any attempt by European powers to colonize or

interfere in the nations of the Western Hemisphere would be seen as an act of aggression that

would require the intervention of the United States. Although the Monroe Doctrine did not have

much of an immediate impact, it laid the groundwork for future U.S. foreign policy in Latin

America.
 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

These and other diplomatic achievements during this period had a significant impact on

the way the United States interacted with the world. They helped establish the nation's borders,

promote trade, and improve relations with other nations.

The Influence of Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, a war hero and charismatic politician, emerged as a dominant political

figure during this period. His influence on national politics was significant, and his actions and

policies helped shape the direction of the nation. Known for his strong personality and

determined leadership style, he became a symbol of growing democracy in the United States. His

election as president in 1828 marked a shift in American politics, as he was one of the first

presidents not to come from the aristocratic elite of the East Coast.

During his presidency, Jackson implemented a number of policies that reflected his

commitment to democracy and equality. These included the elimination of the Electoral College,

the expansion of suffrage to all white men, and the implementation of policies that favored small

farmers and workers over wealthy elites. However, Jackson's presidency was also marked by

controversy. His policy of forcibly moving Native American tribes from the Southeast to

territories west of the Mississippi River, known as the Trail of Tears, is a stain on his legacy.
 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

Conclusion
The period from 1815 to 1828 was a significant time in the history of the United

States. The spirit of nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812 had a profound impact on

the nation's economic policies and judicial decisions. As the country grew and developed,

sectional tensions also emerged, leading to conflicts and divisions.

The "Age of Good Feelings" was a time of apparent unity and growth, but it was also a

time of change and conflict. Despite the diplomatic achievements of the federal government and

the influence of political figures such as Andrew Jackson, sectional and political tensions led to

the end of this era and the beginning of a new period of conflict and political division.

Ultimately, this period in U.S. history was marked as much by growth and expansion as it

was by conflict and division. Although there were challenges and conflicts, there were also

significant achievements and advances. These events and developments helped shape the nation

that the United States would become and left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the

nation today.
 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828

References
 Brinkley, A. (2008). American History: A Survey (13th ed.).

 Chapter 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815–1828 | America: a Narrative History: W. W.

Norton. (n.d.). https://wwnorton.com/college/history/america10_cp/ch/09/documents.aspx

 Heidler, J. T., & Heidler, D. S. (2024, February 13). War of 1812 | History, Summary,

Causes, Effects, timeline, facts, & Significance. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/event/War-of-1812

 How did the United States acquire Florida - DailyHistory.org. (n.d.).

https://www.dailyhistory.org/How_did_the_United_States_acquire_Florida

 Andrew Jackson. (2024, February 21). Biography. https://www.biography.com/political-

figures/andrew-jackson