Chapter 11: James Madison

 

Theme: Napoleon’s intrigues and the demands of western war “hawks” drew Madison into the War of 1812 with Britain. Although the conflict was vehemently opposed by New England Federalists, and the United States barely obtained a military stalemate, it aroused American nationalism and enabled westward marching America to turn its back on Europe.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1. What was the real cause of the War of 1812?

 

2. What were the causes and effects of the national disunity during the war? Did the disunity arise from the nature of the war?

 

3. Why does the War of 1812 loom so much larger in Canadian history (and Canadian history textbooks) than in American history? What events of the war would Canadians be more likely to remember compared with those Americans generally recall?

 

4. How did the results of the War of 1812 relate to the original goals?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12: James Monroe

 

Theme: The aftermath of the War of 1812 produced a strong surge of American nationalism that was reflected in economics, law and foreign policy. The rising nationalistic spirit was only temporarily threatened by the first severe sectional dispute over slavery.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1. What was significant about the strong spirit of nationalism that appeared in America from 1815 to 1824? What were its accomplishments?

 

2. Was the one party rule of the “Era of Good Feelings” a positive sign of national unity or a dangerous threat to political freedom?

 

3. Did the Missouri Compromise effectively deal with the sectional conflict over slavery or merely shove it out of view?

 

4. What were the purpose and result of the Monroe Doctrine? Should the Doctrine be understood primarily in relation to its historical origins? Why or why not?