The Extension of Boundaries

In the year 1819 many things had happened that strengthened the United States. A strong sense of nationalism had overcome many Americans because of the expansions that were taking place during this time. This was the “Era of Good Feelings”, but that doesn’t mean that hardships weren’t faced during this time. Risks had to be taken to achieve goals. As stated, “High risk, high reward”, which is what was shown during this time period with Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. Spain had control of Florida, but their reign had been declining quickly for a good while. In 1816 some escaped slaves had taken control of a British fort in Florida and rebelled against some U.S. soldiers. This was near some Seminole Indians that perceived this as hostile and started to attack some white settlements. Andrew Jackson was a General at this point and time and he promised President Monroe that they could take control of Florida within 60 days. The President didn’t approve this action, but Andrew Jackson continued with this plan regardless. The point of this was to capture the Seminole Indians that had attacked the white settlements and fled into Florida to escape prosecution. Under the leadership of Andrew Jackson, Soldiers attacked a Spanish fort and captured two Seminole Indian chiefs. Two British traders were accused of provoking the Indians to attack the settlements. The General soon captured West Florida and planted the American government. Americans that wanted to expand were excited, but on the other hand there was a very angry Spain. Florida was demanded to be given back by Spain. This was not taken a threat because the U.S. saw that Spain didn’t have the power to go up against them as a nation. Jackson was punished, but was not taken down from command. Jackson had taken a high risk with invading Spanish territory, but in the end expanded the nation as a whole, improved nationalism, and showed off the military power to foreign countries. That leaves you with the question, could there have been an easier way to take over Florida? Or maybe this was the easiest way. In any case, good feeling were spreading over the country like a disease and one man saw an opportunity of a lifetime to keep those feelings alive. His name was John Quincy Adams who was Secretary of State and he was good friends with Andrew Jackson. Spanish bought the territory back from the U.S. knowing that it could be taken back at any time. Adams negotiated with Spain for the Louisiana Purchase. The goal was the Texas border, but it was a bit much so Adams settled for Louisiana. He was determined and adamant about claiming this territory. In 1819 Adams was able to convince Spain to sign the Adams-Onis treaty and allow the U.S. to completely take Florida. Final Ratifications of were made in 1821 for Florida and its first governor was selected, Andrew Jackson. By 1845 Florida would officially become a state on the map. These men took great risks and achieved something great for not only themselves, but a whole nation for years to come. This shows the high risk and high reward theory. This theory is shown in today’s modern age especially with businesses. It kind of goes along with the American Dream, so maybe gives someone the feeling of American Spirit! People may take this for granted today, but the USA could be different without Florida. Later on Andrew Jackson became President, but would he have if he never took over Florida? There’s many what if’s, but the fact of the matter is what happened is done and everyone should remember those good feelings. These feelings weren’t achieved by a single man, but many men. This situation showed people in the future that by working together, many great things may be achieved. With this I leave you, Do you think that Jackson’s plan was an important factor in history?

Relations With Britain

   The War of 1812, known as Americas "second war of independence," was ended by the Treaty of Ghent, being a peace Treaty. It was not all peace though, as their were disputes created from it. Other treaties had to come along and take care of the problems.

The Rush-Bagot Agreement of 1817 and the Convention of 1818 had reduced those causes of irritation. What do I mean by irritation? What was irritated?
Well, for one there was a threat of naval competition on the Great Lakes. Limiting the forces there, had eliminated this threat. Even though not stated, it can be interpreted why this is so. Naval competition occurs from groups of troops and soldiers and armies and forces coming together versus another side. As one side grows, the other side feels threatened so they feel the need to advance too and this continues and soon, chaos could occur. This was stopped before that point by reducing the forces of men on the Great Lakes and going back to more of a peaceful stand point.

From the Convention of 1818, pretty much overall if created joint occupancy of Oregon, West of the Rocky mountain between Britain and America. It allowed them to establish settlements. Another "irritation" was visible here as britain was excluding American ships from the West Indies to save the trade for them. they were being what we would describe as selfish and greedy. If this had not been resolved and taken care of it could have led to further downfall for trade in America. Trade may not have advanced after a certain point of decline and the country itself would lose power, if no major trade could happen which is still what helps us hold power today. It was in 1820 that Monroe that gave us an act of total "nonintercourse," which gave flaw to Britain to allow America to hole their standing with the trade too.

James Monroe

   James Monroe had entered presidency in 1817. He was known for some of his failures at first then led into the Bang of what we are today. He did not continue to influence and build on with "new nationalism." If you are not aware of what the term is, New nationalism is referring to government protection of human welfare and property rights. Some argues one was more significant then the other. For example of Monroe not helping to advance forward with these ways, during the permission of the National Road to be extended, Monroe did not allow tolls to be collected for the repair and maintenance.

This allows you to visualize James Monroe and what came about during his presidency.

   It was during Monroe's time, that the historic term "Era of Good Feelings," had come into play. It was first used to describe his presidency in a newspaper, and later was used to describe the period as a whole. Just from the title itself, someone now a days can get good connotation from it and assume it was positive uphill matters. during the era. "Good Feelings," sounds promising. This is exactly what is assumed. There were not major conflicts between political parties and it was a time to attempt unity among Americans and find the nation a purpose for people to lead with.

  This seems to hold a strong foundations for America today.

America no longer believed they are to be ruled under royalty and should owe their freedom to no one but themselves.