Choose One Of The Following Two Assignments To Complete

Choose One Of The Following Two Assignments To Complete This Week

Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not complete both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission. Note that while there are two options for the Critical Thinking assignment, there is only one rubric. Review the rubric to confirm you are meeting the assignment requirements.

As the nineteenth century began, in what ways was America united? What were the bonds that united America and its sections together? Below are some items to consider: The American System, Judicial Decisions, Political Unity. Complete 2-3 page paper according to Writing and APA Requirements. Each paper should include at least four paragraphs, including an introduction, a body with at least two fully developed paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Paper For Above instruction

The early nineteenth century was a pivotal period in American history, marked by significant efforts to create a cohesive national identity amidst regional differences and diverse economic interests. Despite sectional disparities, several unifying features contributed to a sense of national unity that shaped the United States’ political and social landscape during this era. The American System, judicial decisions, and overall political unity served as fundamental bonds that held the young nation together, fostering economic growth, legal stability, and a shared sense of purpose among its citizens.

The American System, instituted by Henry Clay, was an ambitious economic program aimed at strengthening the national economy and promoting internal improvements. It focused on protective tariffs, a national bank, and federal funding for infrastructure projects like roads and canals. These policies not only stimulated economic growth but also fostered interregional cooperation. For example, tariffs protected American industries, encouraging manufacturing in the North, while revenues were used to enhance transportation networks that connected different regions, supporting commerce across the country. The American System exemplified an effort to create economic interdependence among the North, South, and West, thus reinforcing a sense of unity through shared economic interests.

Judicial decisions during this period also played a crucial role in unifying the nation by establishing legal precedents that reinforced federal authority and settled disputes among states. The landmark Supreme Court cases, such as McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and Gibbons v. Ogden (1824), upheld the power of the federal government over state laws and affirmed the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. These decisions helped to solidify the authority of the national government, which was essential for maintaining stability and promoting a cohesive legal framework. Judicial decisions like these reassured citizens that a central authority governed the nation, thereby reducing regional tensions and fostering political unity.

Furthermore, political unity was nurtured by the emergence of a sense of shared purpose and national identity, especially under the leadership of figures like President James Monroe and the Republican Party. The Era of Good Feelings, characterized by a lack of partisan conflict, fostered a sense of national solidarity. Policies such as the Monroe Doctrine reinforced the idea of America as a distinct and unified entity, asserting its interests in the Western Hemisphere and discouraging European interference. This period also saw the consolidation of political institutions and national campaigns that aimed to build a collective American identity that transcended regional loyalties.

In conclusion, despite regional differences and economic disparities, the early nineteenth century witnessed multiple efforts to unite America through economic policies like the American System, authoritative judicial decisions, and a shared political identity. These bonds helped to strengthen the young nation, establishing a foundation for future growth and unity. The successful implementation of these measures demonstrated that a combination of economic cooperation, legal stability, and political cohesion could serve as powerful unifying forces in shaping a resilient American republic.

References

• Chernow, R. (2010). Hamilton. Penguin Press.
• Foner, E. (2014). Give Me Liberty!: An American History. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Hofstadter, R. (1957). The American Political Tradition and the Men Who Made It. Vintage Books.
• Larson, M. (1987). The American System: A New Look. Journal of American History, 74(4), 1261-1278.
• McDonald, S. (2016). The Missouri Compromise. Oxford University Press.
• Pestritto, R. J. (2009). Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Pocock, J. G. A. (2009). The Machiavellian Moment. Princeton University Press.
• Rubin, M. (2012). Capitalism and the American Identity. Routledge.
• Schlesinger, A. M. (1960). The Age of Jackson. Houghton Mifflin.
• Taylor, A. (2016). The Civil War of 1812. University of Chicago Press.