US History · 11th Grade · Expansion, Reform & Sectionalism · Weeks 1-9

Era of Good Feelings & Sectional Tensions

Investigate the period of national unity after the War of 1812 and the emerging sectional divisions.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.His.1.9-12
• C3: D2.Eco.1.9-12

About This Topic

The Election of 1860 was the final breaking point for the American political system. This topic explores the fragmentation of the party system, the rise of Abraham Lincoln and the Republican Party, and the immediate reaction of the Southern states following his victory. Students analyze the different party platforms and the core arguments for and against secession, focusing on the defense of slavery as the primary motivator for the South.

For 11th graders, this topic is the culmination of decades of sectional tension. it demonstrates how an election can serve as a catalyst for revolutionary change. Students grasp the high stakes of this moment faster through structured simulations of the election and peer-led analysis of the 'Declarations of Causes' issued by seceding states.

Key Questions

1. Explain the concept of the 'Era of Good Feelings' and its limitations.
2. Analyze how the Missouri Compromise attempted to address growing sectional tensions over slavery.
3. Evaluate the role of Henry Clay's American System in promoting national economic development.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the concept of the 'Era of Good Feelings' and identify its key limitations and contradictions.
• Analyze the causes and consequences of the Missouri Compromise, evaluating its effectiveness in resolving sectional tensions.
• Evaluate the economic and political impact of Henry Clay's American System on national development.
• Compare and contrast the differing economic and social interests of the North, South, and West during this period.

Before You Start

The War of 1812: Causes and Consequences

Why: Students need to understand the context and outcomes of the War of 1812 to grasp the subsequent period of nationalism and the reasons for its limitations.

Early American Political Parties and Ideologies

Why: Understanding the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties provides a foundation for analyzing the decline of partisan conflict and the emergence of new political alignments.

Key Vocabulary

Era of Good Feelings	A period in US history following the War of 1812 characterized by a surge of nationalism and a decline in partisan conflict, though underlying sectional tensions persisted.
Missouri Compromise	Legislation passed in 1820 that admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while prohibiting slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30′ parallel.
American System	A set of economic policies proposed by Henry Clay, advocating for a national bank, protective tariffs, and federal funding for internal improvements to foster economic growth and national unity.
Sectionalism	Loyalty to one's own region or section of the country, rather than to the country as a whole, often leading to political and economic divisions.
Monroe Doctrine	A US foreign policy statement asserting that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere, nor should they attempt further colonization.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Lincoln won a majority of the popular vote in 1860.

What to Teach Instead

Lincoln won with only 40% of the popular vote because the opposition was so divided. A 'map analysis' activity helps students see how he won the Electoral College by carrying the entire North, which further convinced the South they had no voice in the government.

Common Misconception

The South seceded primarily over 'states' rights' in general.

What to Teach Instead

The primary 'right' they were defending was the right to own enslaved people. Analyzing the Confederate Constitution helps students see that it actually restricted states' rights in some ways to protect the institution of slavery.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Four-Way Election

Divide the class into supporters of Lincoln, Douglas, Breckinridge, and Bell. Students must create campaign posters and give short speeches explaining their candidate's position on slavery and the Union, followed by a mock vote.

60 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: Why They Seceded

Small groups analyze the secession documents from states like South Carolina and Mississippi. They must highlight every mention of slavery to determine the primary reason these states left the Union.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Lincoln's First Inaugural

Students read excerpts from Lincoln's speech. They work in pairs to identify his 'olive branch' to the South and his firm stance on the permanence of the Union, discussing whether war was avoidable at that point.

30 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Urban planners today still debate the merits of investing in public transportation and infrastructure, similar to the debates surrounding Henry Clay's proposals for internal improvements, to connect communities and stimulate economic activity.
• International relations scholars analyze the long-term impact of the Monroe Doctrine, examining how it shaped US foreign policy and influenced the political development of Latin American nations throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Historians studying the compromises made in the early republic, like the Missouri Compromise, draw parallels to modern political negotiations aimed at balancing competing interests, such as environmental regulations versus economic development.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three index cards. On the first, ask them to write one sentence defining the 'Era of Good Feelings' and one reason it was a misnomer. On the second, ask them to explain the main compromise of the Missouri Compromise. On the third, ask them to list one component of the 'American System' and its intended effect.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'To what extent was the 'Era of Good Feelings' truly an era of unity, and what underlying issues threatened national cohesion?' Facilitate a class discussion where students use evidence from the period to support their arguments, referencing both nationalist sentiment and sectional disagreements.

Quick Check

Present students with a map of the United States circa 1820. Ask them to identify the states admitted as free and slave states under the Missouri Compromise and to label the territory where slavery was prohibited. This checks their understanding of the geographical implications of the compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Democratic Party divided in 1860?

The party split over the issue of slavery in the territories. Northern Democrats supported 'popular sovereignty,' while Southern Democrats demanded federal protection for slavery in all territories, leading them to run two separate candidates.

What was the Crittenden Compromise?

It was a last-ditch effort to prevent war by constitutionally protecting slavery where it already existed and extending the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific. It failed because Lincoln and the Republicans refused to allow any further expansion of slavery.

Which state was the first to secede and why?

South Carolina was the first to secede in December 1860. They argued that the election of a president 'hostile to slavery' made it impossible for them to remain in the Union and protect their social and economic system.

How can active learning help students understand the Election of 1860?

Active learning strategies like 'Campaign Simulations' help students see the complexity of the political landscape. By researching the four different platforms, they realize that the country wasn't just split in two, but in four, making the path to compromise nearly impossible. This hands-on approach helps them understand why Lincoln's victory was seen as such a radical threat by the South, even before he took any action against slavery.

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