Download Chapter 12 - Section 1 – A New National Identity *Objectives* (1e

Chapter 12 - Section 1 – A New National Identity
*Objectives*
 (1e) – Describe and explain the role of the Founding Fathers.
 (2a) – Discuss the influence of industrialization and technological
developments in the various regions of the U.S.
 (2b) – Cite evidence and evaluate the importance of improvements in
transportation and communication (steamboat, railroad, canal, telegraph).
 (3a) – Examine the exploration and colonization periods of the U.S.
The United States had survived a second war with Great Britain. Although
the nation was at peace, there were still unresolved disputes with foreign powers. A
rising sense of nationalism and an expansion of democracy played key roles in
shaping American identity as the young nation began to assert itself.
The Convention of 1818, was a treaty that gave the United States fishing
rights off parts of the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. It also set the border
between the United States and Canada at the 49th parallel. This border extended as
far west as the Rocky Mountains. In addition, both countries agreed to jointly
occupy part of the Pacific Northwest.
Another dispute involved the U.S. border with Spanish Florida. Some
Americans wanted to settle in the area. Others were angered by raids on U.S. towns
made by Seminole Indians from Florida. The Seminole also aided runaway slaves.
In 1818, John Quincy Adams held talks with Spanish diplomats about allowing
American settlers into Florida. Meanwhile, President Monroe sent troops under the
command of General Andrew Jackson to secure the border.
In April 1818, Jackson’s troops invaded Florida to capture Seminole raiders,
thus beginning the First Seminole War. During the war, Jackson fought the Spanish
as well as the Seminole. He took over most of Spain’s important military posts and
overthrew the governor of Florida. He committed these acts against Spain without
receiving direct orders from President Monroe.
Jackson’s actions upset both British and Spanish leaders. Most Americans,
however, were in favor of Jackson. Jackson’s presence in Florida helped convince
Spanish leaders to settle all border disputes with the United States in the AdamsOnis Treaty of 1819. Under this treaty, Spain gave East Florida to the United States
and gave up its claims to West Florida. In return, the U.S. gave up its claims to what
is now Texas. The U.S. also agreed to take responsibility for up to $5 million of U.S.
citizens’ claims against Spain.
At the time of the Adams-Onis Treaty, Spain had other problems. The
Spanish colonies of Central and South America began to challenge Spanish rule. By
the early 1820s most of these Latin American countries had declared independence
from Spain. Revolutionary fighter Simon Bolivar, led many of these struggles. The
revolutions in Latin America reminded most American leaders of the American
Revolution. As a result, they supported the struggles for independence.
Yet Latin American independence worried President Monroe. He thought
that European powers might try to take control of the newly independent Latin
American countries. Secretary of State Adams and President Monroe decided to
warn European powers not to interfere with the Americas. Delivered on December
2, 1823, this warning became known as the Monroe Doctrine. It stated that foreign
powers should not create new colonies in North and South America. The U.S. would
view any European interference with Latin American governments as a hostile act.
Some Europeans strongly criticized the Monroe Doctrine. The French foreign
minister said that the doctrine “out to be resisted by all the powers having
commercial or territorial interests in the hemisphere.” Despite such threats, few
European countries challenged the Monroe Doctrine, which has played a major role
in shaping U.S. – Latin American relations.