Nationalism Project

Linda
Coming Together - Nationalism Ascendant
Part A - Section I: Political Developments
a) Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, United States bought approximately 828,000 square miles of land from the French, at about three cents an acre which totaled about 15 million. This purchase was known as the Louisiana Purchase and it was the first major purchase for the United States regarding to land. This purchase put America in control of the New Orleans port and the Mississippi River. Also after the purchase, the land doubled the size of America and people began to move and travel west.
b) The Embargo of 1807
The Embargo of 1807, also known as the "Dambargo", because it was so hated, was passed by Thomas Jefferson to cut off all exports. Under the Embargo, America's economy collapsed. The immediate outcome may not have been positive but the Embargo sped up the American Industrial Revolution when people in the North had started to reopen old factories and construct new ones. The Embargo also was a way of standing up to Britain and France.
c) War of 1812
The War of 1812 was started when the British would not stop the impressments of American sailors and the supplying of weapons for Indians. Americans went to war with the population divided on whether to go to war. Americans may have went into war divided, but they came out as one. The Treaty of Ghent signed in 1814 ended the war and restored all conquered territories. The war may have been a draw, but it was a win for the United States in many ways. The United States fought a powerful nation and did not lose, they were able to fight with Britain without the assistance of another country, and after the Treaty of Ghent, other countries began to respect the United States.
d) John Marshall Supreme Court Decisions
The Maryland vs. McCulloch was a case that involves the state of Maryland destroying a branch of the Bank of the United States by putting taxes on the notes. John Marshall denied the state the right to tax the bank which strengthen the Federal government.
In the Dartmouth College vs. Woodward, New Hampshire tried to change the college from private to public since Dartmouth was chartered by King George III. Marshall ruled in favor of Dartmouth and stated that all contracts were protected by the Constitution. This decision protected businesses from state governments.
The Gibbons vs. Ogden was also known as the steamboat case. The state of New York tried to grant to a private concern a part of the water trade between New York and New Jersey. Marshall stated that the federal government hold the power o change and regulate commerce and interstate decisions. This increased the power of the federal government.

e) Adam-Onis Treaty
The Adam-Onis Treaty was a treaty between US and Spain that claimed Texas for America and established the western boundary of the Louisiana Purchase. This treaty expanded US territory and like the Treaty of Ghent, it showed that America was getting respect from more powerful countries and may even be considered as equals.
f) Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, in a sense, put Americans in control of the western hemisphere. The old world could no longer colonize of intervene with western hemisphere affairs or they would face the United States. This document showed Europeans that America is now a respected nation and they should not be messed with.
Section III: Cultural Developments
A) Art
1) Hudson River School: American art movement in the 1800's.

Thomas Cole's famous painting of Katterskill Falls, along the Hudson River School Art Trail.
This painting shows the natural beauty if the United States. Unlike Europe, America did not have a cultural heritage, but they did have the majestic wilderness that Americans were proud of.
The jagged rocks and storm clouds show that the wilderness is yet to be tamed.

This painting was made by Frederick Edwin Church who studied with Cole at the age of 19.
This painting also shows the natural beauty of America, but it also shows the fragility of nature.

2) Rocky Mountain School: A variety of artist that used the Rocky Mountains to symbolize the west.

This painting was painted by Thomas Moran.
The Rocky Symbolizes the west of the United States giving Americans a sense of identity.
Mountains are also strong, which symbolizes how powerful the United States is.
This was painted by Thomas Hill.

3) Genre Artist: Artist who depict people or scenes and illustrate how they feel about their nation

This painting by William Sidney Mount was named "Dancing on the Barn Floor" and was painted in 1831. This painting was of people who were in their natural habitat doing everyday things. It showed the simplicity of life and how happy people were.
"Sportsman at the Well" 1848
By: William Sidney Mount

B) Architecture

Monticello
University of Virginia

Jefferson did not like the Georgian Style because it was named after the King George III of Britain and it was Britain who the Americans declared independence from. Jefferson believed in the classical revival styles. The classical revival style came from the Greeks which was were democracy originated. Since they were starting a new democracy, it would show the origins of democracy.

C) Literature
Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered the speech "American Scholar" to the Phi Beta Kappa Society of Harvard. In his speech he asks the scholars to think independently and critically. He asked them to strengthen American culture and tradition rather than mimicking Europeans. This connects to nationalism because Americans are now looking upon themselves as a nation rather than constantly looking up to Europeans.
He also talks about how Americans are like the fingers of a hand. Each is individual and separate but they need to work together to accomplish a greater task.
Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote the poem "Old Ironsides". This poem talked about the USS Constitution. This poem honors the ship and its service for the country. This show nationalism because he is paying respect to the country and honoring those who serve and protect our country.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was an author who wrote the "Scarlet Letter". The theme is a society coming together to forgive a woman for her crimes of adultery. This shows nationalism because the people of the town comes together to make something better for all.