Overview of the Nationalist Moment Project

The years immediately following the War of 1812 were critical to the course of subsequent antebellum history. This web site explores the politcal and intellectual history of one of the crucial issues that arose in those years: The political and intellectual divide that arose in the Jeffersonian Republican Party over the spirit of nationalism that arose as a result of the country's experience in the War of 1812. The new nationalism primarily encompassed government support to manufactures and internal improvements (roads, canals, and harbor works), a national bank, a stronger army and navy, and expansion of the country's frontiers.

In the years immediately following the War of 1812, a period that might be called "the nationalist moment," leading men in the party, both in the administration and Congress, firmly believed in the nationalist vision and were ideally positioned to implement it, but they failed to achieve it. This project will show that the conflicts between ideology and politics destroyed all hope of bringing the vision to reality. This failure reveals much about the conflict of ideology and politics. And this too can inform our study of the subsequent decades. The differing versions of nationalism that competed within the disintegrating Republican party also contributed to the political divisions of the era. The ideology of nationalism did not end after 1824, but after that year it was not able to unite statesmen from all sections of the nation in a common vision. Several events, chief among them the Panic of 1819 and the Missouri crisis, and the rise of a new type of party organization would force the wane of Republican nationalism. And although the Old Republican ideology itself did not destroy nationalism, in the hands of such potent speakers as John Randolph of Roanoke it constantly challenged the nationalist vision. Later, it proved potent in the hands of sectionalists. The era, then, offers a look at the interplay between ideology and politics. For these reasons the era should not be passed over by intellectual historians; it is far too rich.

Site Features

The image gallery provides a convenient location for viewing all the images in ths web-site in one location. From the picture gallery, the user can view enlarged images and also learn how that image relates to rise and fall of Jeffersonian nationalism.

The complete text of selected speeches and letters can be viewed by clicking the indicated links at the end of the quoted citations.

For those wishing to view a text version of the paper upon which this project is based, click on the indicated link above

The Sections of the Paper

Section One: Introduction

Section one introduces the context of the project and sets out objectives, key questions to be answered, and limitations of scope. It also provides a more in-depth definition of Jeffersonian nationalism and the key issues involved in the political debate. This introducuory section provides a good starting point for those interested in the historiograhic issues the project address or those not familiar with the political and intellectual context of the period.

Go directly to this section: Introduction

Section two: Background

The background section provides a brief synopis of the political and intellectual history of the Jeffersonian party from Jefferson's acension to the presidency through the War of 1812. It includes a brief discussion of Jefferson's tilt towards nationalism in his second term and it describes the emergence of the Old Republican faction in the party and their principles. Those familiar with these developments can go to the Nationalist Moment section.

Go directly to this section: Background

Section three: The Nationalist Moment

The Nationalist Moment section explains James Madison's vision for moderate nationalism at the end of the War of 1812 and argues that two different version of Republican nationalism grew out of his vision: John C. Calhoun's War Department nationalism and Henry Clay's American System nationalism. It also briefly examines a third vision of nationalism born at the time, that of John Quincy Adams. It then examines the political impact of this nationalist moment and the state of Republican party ideology in 1818.

Go directly to this section: The Nationalist Moment

Section four: Rebublican Nationalism Embattled

The Republican Nationalism Embattled section examines the impact of the Panic of 1819 and the Missouri Controversy on the ideology of Republican nationalism. More than any other events of the era they led to the decline of the spirit of nationalism and a resurgence of Old Republican ideology.

Go directly to this section: Republican Nationalism Embattled

Section five: The Ebb Tide of Republican Nationalism

The Ebb Tide of Republican Nationalism section briefly examines the key events leading up to the critical election of 1824. The final demise of Calhoun's nationalist vision, the integration of the Old Republicans with the Radical party, and Martin Van Buren's new style of party organization were the most important events.

Go directly to this section: Ebb Tide of Republican Nationalism

Conclusion

The Conclusion summarizes the major findings of the project and poses questions for further study.

Go directly to the conclusion: Conclusion

Bibliography

The Bibliography lists all primary and secondary sources used in the project.

Go directly to the Bibliography: Bibliography

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