The Extent Nationalism Played in the Formulation and Application of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Early 19th Century

Abruptly after the “Revolution of 1800” the American people were ready for an “Era of Good Feelings”. This Era of Good Feelings did not however come without its hardships. On the course to a fail safe America, they would have to face the threat of territorial expansion and a war with one of their recent rivals, Britain. The Presidencies of James Madison, James Monroe, John Tyler, and James Polk paved the way for the formation of the current United States of America. The American people in no time would be in an uproar, striking fear into the hearts of foreign nations everywhere. Nationalism played a grand role in the formation and application of U.S. foreign policy in the early nineteenth century, by the revolutionary opinions of the War Hawks, the Monroe Doctrine, and the conclusion of the Mexican-American War.


The War of 1812 was a revolutionary war for the American populace. It was the first war fought by the United States after the Revolutionary War. Since the country had established itself as an in independent nation, it was up to the American inhabitants to stand up for their rights. This was also the first time the American public had influenced a major international confrontation. This preponderance faction of the American people, were labeled “War Hawks”. Since the country was also under a huge Demo-Republican majority, they thought it was time for Britain to pay for the impressments of American sailors and the seizing of merchant ships.


The War Hawks would join other previous radical American groups such as the Sons and Daughters of Liberty. Unlike these two previous factions the War Hawks would lead their nation directly to war. Another group was also sprung from the declaration of war on Britain. This group was a collection of Federalists that were in opposition of the war and convened at the Hartford Convention. Despite political debate, the United States declared war on Britain in 1812. Although there was no obvious winner at the conclusion of the war, after such battles as the “Battle of New Orleans”, American nationalism soared, and the world was shown that if they worked together, what the American people could accomplish.


With the “Era of Good Feelings” under way, the American government met to determine their postwar decisions. The end result was Manifest Destiny. Manifest Destiny, was the American peoples’ idea that it was their god given right to expand and bring religious freedom, political wisdom, and social equality to the people of the west. Shortly after the Napoleonic Wars, trouble arose. The Europeans nations had decided to restore monarchies and would soon try to stake claim over western North America. Under the influence of the American people, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and James Monroe, drafted and put into action the Monroe Doctrine. Now the somewhat selfish people of the United States were on their way of claiming all of the modern day United States for themselves.


The nation’s enthusiasm after the War of 1812, had lead to the destruction and devastation of many of the natives, native to the land they had claimed politically for themselves. The Cherokee Nation sensing disaster, attempted to take the harboring states to court. The Marshall court mostly ruled in favor of the Americans in such cases as Cherokee Nation v. Georgia, and the Cherokee nation were forced westward on a “Trail of Tears” which resulted from the enforcement of the Treaty of New Echota, an agreement signed under the provisions of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. While struggling nations tried to hold their ground, the American government continued to search and plunder the fruits of their labor. As seen in such treaties as the Adams Onis Treaty, which gave the U.S. Florida and the Gadsden Purchase, which allowed America to create a transcontinental railroad, that helped to somewhat boost the faltering American economy. Nationalism had saved a nation’s spirit, but also helped to destroy another.


The territorial expansion of the United States did not come without its dilemmas. During the period of rapid immigration into Mexico, a small skirmish ensued between the American forces and Santa Anna’s forces (dictator of Mexico). Shortly after the victory by the Americans at the Alamo, Texas became an independent state, and remained until a substantial amount of time. James K. Polk, had been longing for the chance to annex Texas, and now he had his chance, even though without consent from the Mexican government. Polk also wanted the area of California, and would do anything to get it. His longing for the California and New Mexico had been sparked by the voices of his people. In response to the new Texas territory, they believed even more land would put the United States on the map. Acting on the will of the people, Polk sent troops into Mexico, and quickly defeated their adversaries. With the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed, and the land of California acquired, Polk was still not satisfied. The development of nationalism after the establishment of a stable nation made for peace and war, but unfortunately for the American people, never at the same time.


Nationalism during the nineteenth century not only established but created American foreign policy. The love for one’s country was felt in the hearts of the people, ever since the Revolutionary War. But now since the nation was stable, it was time for the American people to steer their own country to success. The people were able to engage an advisory, establish domestic policy, and twist and manipulate the dreams of foreign realms.