Study GuideU.S. History I–The Jeffersonian Republicans 1800–18241. A Spirit of NationalismAfter the War of 1812, the United States entered a period often called the“Era of Good Feelings.”The country had one main political party, the Republicans, but unity was more surface-level than real.Differences in ideas and regional interests were beginning to emerge.1.1Henry Clay and the American SystemSome Republicans, likeHenry Clay, were starting to promote new economic ideas. Clay’s plan,called theAmerican System, included three main goals:1.Protective tariffs–taxes on imported goods to help new American industries compete.2.Federal support for internal improvements–building roads, bridges, and canals topromote trade.3.Renewal of the national bank–keeping a strong banking system to support the economy.•Many Republicans agreed with Clay.•In1816, Congress approved theSecond Bank of the United Statesand a moderate tariff.Internal Improvements DebateFederal spending on roads had begun underJeffersonwith theNational Road.•Republicans generally believed that building roads and canals should be handled bystates,not the federal government, unless a constitutional amendment said otherwise.•PresidentMadisonvetoed a bill for federal funding of internal improvements, citing thisargument.1.2The Era of Good Feelings•After theembargoended and the country was at peace, a Boston newspaper editor calledthis time the“Era of Good Feelings.”•PresidentMonroetried to reconcile political differences.•In1820, he won reelection almost unanimously—231 votes to 1.Preview Mode
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