Introduction
This essay entails about domestic unification and national sectionalism in the early 1800s. Significant domestic and international implications will also be discussed. The research will be discussed primarily in accordance of both subjects and explanatory evidences. Towards the end of the essay, portrays the value it has added in our history.
Domestic Unification and National Sectionalism
The lack of significant political divisions, following the War of 1812 helped build an impression of national unity. Presidential elect, James Monroe, a Republican candidate won the election in 1816. Despite the fact that the Federalist Party had nearly vanished, several of its programs obtained support. James Madison called for tariffs in order to guard industries, a national bank, and other programs.
Political variations seemed to disappear resulting a Boston newspaper to name these ages the Era of Good Feelings. Nevertheless this did not continue. Regional variations shortly came ending the time of national relationship. Some Americans experienced a powerful allegiance towards the region where they are located. They considered themselves as Northerners, Westerners or Southerners. This loyalty or sectionalism to their region turned more extreme as distinctions arose through national policies.
The issue on slavery, for instance, had often simmered within the surface. Most Southerners considered the need and importance of slavery, while Northerners opposed on it. In order to defend slavery, Southerners emphasized the significance of state's rights that are included in the Constitution. They believed that they had to protect these rights towards the federal government.
Various regions also did not agree about the need for tariffs, internal development and a national bank.
Internal development include federal and projects that are funded privately, including roads and canals for the development of the transportation system.
Sectional pressure elevated in 1820 above the concern of recognizing new states towards the Union. The issue revolved all over slavery. Southerners desired Missouri to be a slave state but Northerners wanted it to become slavery-free. The problem became the topic of debate all over the country, revealing regional partitions that would affect national politics for years.
Henry Clay's American System, integrated a tariff; a system for internal development, primarily the roads and canals construction, in order to encourage trade; and also a national bank to manage inflation as well as to provide loans for construction of developing businesses. Not everybody noticed Clay's plan in such beneficial terms. In the long run, little of his American System moved into effect. The Congress had developed the Second National Bank but it continued a subject of controversy.
A lot of American people came to realize that the United States, in order to grow and to develop should have peace with Britain. It should put aside differences and build a new relationship. In the following years of 1812, John Quincy Adams, secretary of state and President Monroe, went to deal with long-standing conflicts with Spain and Great Britain.
In 1817, United States and Britain decided to set limitations on Great Lakes. They limited the quantity of naval vessels that each one can have. The agreement included the elimination of weapon, together with a significant part of the border in between the States and Canada.
The Convention of 1818 was the next agreement with Britain, set the border of the Louisiana Territory in between Canada and United states. It produced a demilitarized and protected border. It is a border without a need of armed forces. People in America also obtained the right to settle within the Oregon Country.
Conclusion
Domestic unification and national sectionalism are two of the most unforgettable part of the American History in the early 1800s. Ordinary US citizens should be aware how domestic unification and national sectionalism developed since it started in 1800s.
Works Cited
"Chapter 10: Growth and Expansion." N.p., Web. 19 July 2013. <http://members.wabash.net/~northclay/ncjhs/textbooks/AmericanJourney/PDF/docs/chap10.pdf>.
Jacobs, Harriet A, and Jennifer Fleischner. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl: Written by Herself. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2010. Print.
Maier, Pauline, Merritt R. Smith, Alexander Keyssar, and Daniel J. Kevles. Inventing America: A History of the United States. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006. Print.
