VII.Nationalism and Sectionalism, 1815-1824 – after the war, it wasn’t all bad, it got a little bit better with nationalism. We finally saw ourselves as a country. A.Nationalism after the War of 1812 1.Economic Nationalism – huge economic growth because we were exporting a lot to Europe who’s economy had been destroyed by the Napoleonic era. Cotton was most important exported material; this was major export from the south. More territorial expansion. a.Growth of the U.S – exponential population growth in US b.Transportation Revolution – necessary for our economic growth. This and economic expansion were dependent on each other. -National Road, 1811-1838 – before this there were only bad roads for transporting goods. It was first federal program of construction -Steamboats – made it so you can travel upstream. -The Clermont, 1807 – first steamboat, were very dangerous, could cause explosion when coal shoveled in too fast for races -Pennsylvania, 1858 – huge ship to explode. Mark Twain’s brother was on the boat. -Canals - a manmade waterway to carry goods, locks could carry up different levels like in Panama Canal. Tow-paths were there so horses could tow boats that were in the canal. These were so expensive that national government involvement was necessary -Erie Canal, 1817-1825 – first major feat of engineering. 363 miles. Very expensive but they had tolls. It was so popular that it was paid off with the tolls in 9 years. Canals started being built all over the country. c.Market Revolution – advanced economic system. This meant that as a substitute to subsistence farming; you focus on only one crop to sell to be able to buy the other goods you want. Problems were that if you have a bad year and none of your only crop could grow, you didn’t have any to sell. Downside was you can’t control the value of your goods, all value was dependent on outside factors. You want to grow as much of your cash crop as you can. People got loans for bigger and bigger plots of land. Loans couldn’t be paid, foreclosures happened.
