Chapter 12 Questions
1. According to the author of your text, what was the supreme lesson of the War of 1812? What was the most lasting result of the war?
The supreme lesson of the conflict was the folly of leading a divided and apathetic people into war. And yet, despite the unimpressive military outcome and even less decisive negotiated peace, Americans came out of war with a renewed sense of nationhood. For the next dozen years, an awakened spirit of nationalism would inspire activities ranging from protecting manufacturing to building roads to defending the authority of the federal government
2. Were the American invasions of Canada successful? Explain.
The invasions of Canada were not successful because shortly after American forces crossed, they were beaten back across the Canadian border. The American army at the time was ill-trained, ill-disciplined, and widely scattered.
3. Discuss the importance of the battle of Washington DC and Fort McHenry.
The invaders then entered the capitol and set fire to most of the public buildings, including the Capitol and the White House. But while Washington burned, the Americans at Baltimore held firm. The British fleet hammered Fort McHenry with their cannon but could not capture the city. This helped boost the nationalism and confidence in the country.
4. Why was the Battle of New Orleans significant?
The Battle of New Orleans was significant because the US had fought for honor and the battle restored that honor, as well as unleash a wave of nationalism and self confidence.
5. What happened at the Hartford Convention? How did it affect the Federalist Party?
Federalists met together in Hartford to discuss their declining party and the possible succession of the North from the US. Due to the secrecy, Federalists were considered traitors and the party would eventually die out.
6. Discuss the consequences of America's Second War for Independence.
The US was not ready for another because it had internal conflicts and the country was not united, but in the end they US managed to pull through. After the war, an upsurge of nationalism occurred and the defeat of the British helped America be seen as a force to be reckoned with. These two things would help America grow as a strong nation.
7. How was the spirit of nationalism demonstrated in American literature and art?
Nationalism began to show in literature as writers began to use American scenes and distinctly American themes. School textbooks became American made and painters increasingly drew scenery of America instead of England.
8. Why did Congress pass the Tariff of 1816?
Congress passed the Tariff of 1816 for the protection of American factories and industries. It also helped promote and encourage American goods to be bought.
9. Describe Henry Clay's American System. How is it an example of American nationalism?
Henry Clay's American System consisted of the second national bank of the US, higher tariffs, and internal improvements, such as roads. Higher tariffs helped protect American industries and nationalism stemmed from the manifestation of new factories. The second national bank of the US would help provide easy and abundant credit, where Henry Clay devoted himself to make sure the US was strong in terms of money. The internal improvements, roads, helped stem a trade network between all the states which would knit the country economically and politically.
10. Many wanted to improve the nation's transportation system. Why? Why did President Madison veto the transportation bill? The Federalist supported Madison. Why?
Many people, especially people in the West, wished for better transportation because the failed attempts to invade Canada all stem back to the lack of roads. President Madison vetoed the transportation bill because he saw it as unconstitutional and Federalists supported him because the new roads would drain their population. The drain in population would give them less power and they would have more competing states with different views.
