Discovering Our Past: The American Journey to World War I

Chapter 7: Foreign Affairs in the Early Republic

Chapter Overview

The United States's thriving foreign trade depended on being able to freely sail the world's seas and oceans. When Barbary pirates operating from North Africa threatened that freedom, the United States negotiated a resolution to the crisis. More significant problems arose as Britain and France again went to war against each other. In response to acts that violated America's neutral rights, Congress passed an embargo against Britain. The embargo proved disastrous for Americans and was soon repealed.

James Madison was elected president in 1808. He faced continuing problems with Great Britain and threats from Native Americans in the West. War Hawks in Congress pressed for an increase in military spending. In 1812 the United States declared war against Britain. Important battles were fought at Lake Erie, Detroit, Horseshoe Bend, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. After their defeat at Plattsburgh, British leaders decided that the war was too costly and unnecessary, and American and British representatives signed the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. Before word of the peace agreement could reach America, however, General Andrew Jackson led his troops to a decisive victory over the British at New Orleans. The victory over Britain created a strong sense of nationalism among Americans.

After the War of 1812, America and its leaders entered what became known as the Era of Good Feelings. Political disputes decreased as treaties established boundaries for the United States. However, in 1818, Andrew Jackson outraged Spain's leaders by seizing two Spanish forts. Luis de Onís, Spanish minister to the United States, demanded Jackson be court-martialed. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams refused, and to avoid war, Spain settled by giving East Florida to the United States and abandoning all claims to West Florida. At the same time, many Latin American countries fought for and gained independence and further weakened European control in the Americas. To support Latin America's independence, President James Monroe signed the Monroe Doctrine, preventing others from interfering in Latin American affairs and protecting U.S. interests.