Expansion, Nationalism, and Sectionalism (1800-1865)

Territorial Growth

The Louisiana Purchase

Let's kick things off with a bang! In 1803, the United States pulled off one of the greatest real estate deals in history - the Louisiana Purchase. For a mere $15 million (that's about 4 cents per acre!), President Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the young nation overnight.

This massive land grab wasn't just about size; it was a game-changer for the nation's future. It opened up new opportunities for farming, trade, and westward expansion. Plus, it gave the U.S. control of the crucial Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. Talk about a power move!

Manifest Destiny

Ever heard of Manifest Destiny? It's not just a cool phrase; it was the driving force behind America's westward expansion in the 19th century. Coined by journalist John L. O'Sullivan in 1845, it embodied the belief that the United States was destined to spread across the North American continent.

This concept fueled:

1. The annexation of Texas in 1845, which sparked tensions with Mexico
2. The Oregon Treaty with Britain in 1846.
3. The Mexican-American War (1846-1848), U.S. victory led to the Mexican Cession, and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The Mexican-American War and Its Aftermath

Speaking of the Mexican-American War, let's dive into this controversial conflict. Sparked by disputes over Texas, it ended with the U.S. gaining a massive chunk of territory from Mexico.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 added the following to U.S. territory:

1. California.
2. Nevada.
3. Utah.
4. Most of Arizona.
5. Parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

This massive land grab came at a cost, both in lives and in heightened tensions between the North and South over the expansion of slavery into these new territories.

The Rise of American Identity

Nationalism and the "Era of Good Feelings"

After the War of 1812, America entered what's known as the "Era of Good Feelings." Despite the cheesy name, it was a time of growing national pride and unity. The Federalist Party had fizzled out, leaving James Monroe's Democratic-Republicans as the only major political party.

During this time, we saw:

1. A surge in patriotic sentiment.
2. The emergence of distinctly American art and literature.
3. Infrastructure improvements.

The American System

Enter Henry Clay and his "American System." This economic plan was designed to strengthen the country's economy and reduce dependence on foreign goods. It had three main components:

1. High tariffs to protect American industries.
2. A national bank to promote a single currency.
3. Internal improvements (roads, canals) to aid commerce.

Jacksonian Democracy

The election of Andrew Jackson in 1828 marked a shift in American politics. Jacksonian Democracy emphasized:

1. Expanded suffrage for white men without property.
2. Opposition to aristocracy and corruption.
3. A strong presidency as the voice of the people.

The Growing Divide Between North and South

Economic Differences

As the nation expanded, the North and South were developing along very different economic lines:

1. The North: Industrializing, with a focus on manufacturing and commerce.
2. The South: Agricultural, with an economy based on cash crops (especially cotton) and slavery.

These economic differences led to conflicting interests in areas like tariffs, internal improvements, and, of course, slavery.

The Missouri Compromise of 1820

The Missouri Compromise was the first major attempt to address the growing sectional divide over slavery. It admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in the Senate. It also prohibited slavery in the Louisiana Territory north of the 36°30' parallel.

The Compromise of 1850

As the U.S. acquired more territory from Mexico, the slavery question reared its ugly head again. The Compromise of 1850 was a package deal that tried to please both sides:

1. California admitted as a free state.
2. Popular sovereignty in New Mexico and Utah territories.
3. A stronger Fugitive Slave Law.
4. Slave trade (but not slavery itself) banned in Washington D.C.

The Kansas-Nebraska Act and "Bleeding Kansas"

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 threw a wrench in the works by allowing popular sovereignty to decide the slavery question in these territories. This effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise and led to violent conflicts in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers.

As we wrap up this whirlwind tour of Expansion, Nationalism, and Sectionalism, remember that these forces were constantly interacting and shaping the young nation. The push westward, the growth of a distinct American identity, and the deepening divide between North and South all set the stage for the ultimate test of national unity: the Civil War.