Juliann Jack
11-25-14
Period 7
Coming Together – Nationalism Ascendant
Section I:
a.) The Louisiana Purchase was an acquisition of new land in 1803 by the United States. Thomas Jefferson bought the land from France, doubling the size of the United States, and called it the “empire of liberty.” The Louisiana Purchase contributed to greater sense of nationhood within America because it initiated the expansion of the United States. Through this action, agriculture, trade, and exploration increased as reliance on trade with outside nations decreased. In addition, a sense of independence increased throughout the United States as citizens now had an opportunity to explore new lands and start a new life. The idea of having an opportunity contributed to a more nationalistic mindset among Americans.
b.) The Embargo Act was implemented by Thomas Jefferson in 1807. It was used to keep the United States out of war by suspending all foreign U.S. trade. The Embargo Act cut trade with Britain, showing that the United States’ independent from British goods. It also took a step toward self-manufacturing within the United States. Therefore, the Embargo Act led to more nationalistic pride as the country being to show its independence from Britain.
c.) The War of 1812 was a two-year conflict between the United States and Great Britain caused by restrictions on trade, impressment of American sailors, seizures of American ships, and tensions from war with France. The war was put to an end by the Treaty pf Ghent. The war unified a previously divided America as it came together against the British. This contributed to a sense of nationhood throughout the United States. It also showed America no longer relied on Britain. This provided U.S. citizen with a feeling of independence and nationalistic pride for their country.
d.) John Marshall’s Supreme Court encouraged business and strength, while facing many decisions. In the McCulloch v. Maryland case, Maryland tried to tax the National Bank. Marshall said it was unconstitutional for a state to tax the federal government, establishing the supremacy of the national government. In the Dartmouth College v. Woodward case, state legislators had tried to alter the Dartmouth College charter’s terms regarding the continuance of the board of trustees. The court ruled that the College was a private institution and its charters were contracts between private parties, protecting businesses and corporations from excessive government regulations. The Gibson v. Ogden case took place when New York monopolized its steamboat operations by requiring a license to come into its ports. Gibson, not having a license, sued and won the court case, showing that states could not interfere in federal regulations of
