Question 1

The United States experienced a period of economic prosperity in the years after the War of 1812.

Accepted Answer

The War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent in December 1814, and by 1815, the US economy had begun to recover. The period after the war saw a surge in westward expansion, industrialization, and trade, leading to economic growth and prosperity. This period is known as the Era of Good Feelings.

Question 2

How did the "Era of Good Feelings" emerge? What factors led to its demise?

Accepted Answer

The "Era of Good Feelings" emerged in the United States following the War of 1812. It was a period of relative political harmony and economic prosperity, characterized by a sense of national unity and pride. This era was largely attributed to the end of the Federalist Party, leaving the Democratic-Republican Party as the dominant political force. President James Monroe's presidency also played a significant role in promoting a sense of unity and optimism.

However, the "Era of Good Feelings" began to decline due to several factors. One of the main reasons was the emergence of sectional tensions, particularly between the North and the South over issues such as slavery and economic policies. The Missouri Compromise of 1820, which aimed to address the issue of slavery in new territories, highlighted the growing divide between the Northern and Southern states.

Additionally, economic challenges, such as the Panic of 1819 and the debate over protective tariffs, further contributed to the erosion of the "Era of Good Feelings." These issues led to increasing political polarization and the eventual rise of new political parties, such as the Whigs and the Democrats, which further fractured the sense of national unity.

Overall, the "Era of Good Feelings" emerged as a result of post-war optimism and political changes, but it ultimately succumbed to growing sectional tensions and economic challenges, leading to its demise.

Question 3

The Bank of the United States quickly ended the Panic of 1819 by making credit more easily available.

Accepted Answer

The Bank of the United States actually worsened the Panic of 1819 by calling in loans and reducing the amount of credit available. This caused widespread bank failures and a prolonged economic depression.

Question 4

The Second Bank of the United States was controversial because it would cater to the needs of the southern planter elite.

Accepted Answer

The controversy surrounding the Second Bank of the United States was whether it was constitutional and whether it served the interests of the nation as a whole or just the wealthy elite. The bank's supporters argued that it would promote economic stability and provide a uniform currency, while opponents argued that it was unconstitutional and would concentrate too much power in the hands of the federal government. There is no evidence to suggest that the bank was specifically designed to cater to the needs of the southern planter elite.

Question 5

Langdon Cheves led the opposition in Congress to the creation of the Second Bank of the United States.

Accepted Answer

Henry Clay was a leading proponent of the Second Bank of the United States, while opposition was more associated with figures like Andrew Jackson, who famously vetoed its recharter. Langdon Cheves, however, was actually the president of the Second Bank of the United States from 1819 to 1822, not a leader of opposition against its creation.

Question 6

The Monroe Doctrine was part of President Monroe's annual message to Congress and, to this day, has no official standing in international law.

Accepted Answer

The Monroe Doctrine is not a treaty or law, but rather a statement of U.S. foreign policy. Therefore, it has no official standing in international law.

Question 7

James Monroe was one of the "Virginia dynasty" presidents.

Accepted Answer

James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States and the third of the "Virginia dynasty" presidents, following Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Question 8

Missouri was in territory that historically had not allowed slavery under the French and Spanish.

Accepted Answer

Missouri was not in territory that historically had not allowed slavery. In fact, Missouri was part of the Louisiana Territory which was acquired by the United States from France in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and did allow slavery.

Question 9

One way Andrew Jackson's presidency was revolutionary is that he only engaged in diplomacy with Native Americans rather than assaulting their villages.

Accepted Answer

Andrew Jackson's presidency was known for the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, including the infamous Trail of Tears. He did not prioritize diplomacy and instead pursued a policy of Indian removal.

Question 10

In the wake of the War of 1812, the passions that emerged regarding the issue of the expansion of slavery were the hardest to resolve.

Accepted Answer

The War of 1812 did nothing to address or resolve the issue of slavery, and in fact, as the country expanded and new states were admitted to the Union, tensions over the spread of slavery intensified.

Question 11

What were the federal government's diplomatic accomplishments during this era? What was their impact?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What were the federal government's diplomatic accomplishments...

Question 12

The Tariff of 1828 dramatically lowered taxes on imported raw materials in an attempt to calm tensions after the Missouri Compromise.

Accepted Answer

The Tariff of 1828, also known as the "Tariff of Abominations," actually increased taxes on imported goods, including raw materials, which angered southern states who relied on imported goods and argued the tariff unfairly benefited northern manufacturers. It did not have any direct relationship with the Missouri Compromise, which was passed in 1820.

Question 13

Four presidential candidates received electoral votes in 1824.

Accepted Answer

In the presidential election of 1824, four candidates received electoral votes: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay. However, none of them received a majority of the electoral votes, so the decision was left to the House of Representatives to choose the winner.

Question 14

The Missouri Compromise was almost undone when Missouri put into its constitution a provision excluding free blacks and mulattoes.

Accepted Answer

This provision caused controversy and threatened to undo the Missouri Compromise, as it violated the terms of the Compromise that prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel but did not include any provisions regarding free blacks or mulattoes. Eventually, a compromise was reached that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state but prohibited any further expansion of slavery north of the 36°30' parallel.

Question 15

John Quincy Adams's intelligence, experience, and worth ethic translated into a productive and successful first term in office.

Accepted Answer

John Quincy Adams, despite his intelligence and experience, struggled with a contentious political environment and a lack of support from Congress, which limited his effectiveness and accomplishments during his presidency.

Question 16

The "Era of Good Feelings" was marked by peace and prosperity.

Accepted Answer

The "Era of Good Feelings" (1815-1825) was marked by a period of relative peace and prosperity in the United States, following the end of the War of 1812.

Question 17

The Tariff of 1816 was part of legislation designed to oppose the economic plan known as the American System.

Accepted Answer

The Tariff of 1816 was actually part of the economic plan known as the American System, which aimed to promote industry and protect domestic manufacturers through government policies such as tariffs.

Question 18

What developments enabled Andrew Jackson to become president? How did he influence national politics in the 1820s?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What developments enabled Andrew Jackson to become...

Question 19

How did the spirit of nationalism that emerged after the War of 1812 affect economic and judicial policies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did the spirit of nationalism that...

Question 20

What issues and ideas exacerbated sectional conflict?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What issues and ideas exacerbated sectional conflict?...

Quiz 9: Nationalism and Sectionalism