The Awakening of American Nationalism: 1815 - 1828

The New American Nation Series

by George Dangerfield

A felicitous and fresh retelling of the story of the emergence of American nationalism! By any criteria the years following the Peace of Ghent, a period inaugurated by what has been superficially called "the era of good feelings," must be considered a time of exceptional growth and development in the United States. Above all, it may be considered a time of the evolution and ripening of American nationalism. It is the special virtue of Dangerfield's brilliant synthesis of the period that he manages to keep the focus on this central theme—the contest between the economic nationalism expounded by Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams and the democratic nationalism exemplified by the partisans of Andrew Jackson. That he does so without neglecting America's role in world affairs and particularly the growing economic rivalry with Great Britain, nor without minimizing the parts played by the leading actors on the national stage, attests the balanced judgment and sense of proportion that are evident throughout the volume. It is the confrontation of American economic nationalism with the Liberal Toryism of Lord Liverpool and William Huskisson that this book delineates with exceptional brilliance and depth. Dangerfield, a master craftsman, skillfully weaves many different threads into one magnificent tapestry. Title of related interest from Waveland Smelser, The Democratic Republic, 1801–1815 (ISBN 9780881336689).

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1965

Reviews

[John E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent survey of the period between the end of the War of 1812 in 1815 and the election of Andrew Jackson in 1828. This period of one party government soon deteriated into a nasty struggle of personalities. Even so many lasting actions came out from this time: the Missouri Compromise, the Monroe Doctrine, and the rise of the Democratic Party.

Not an easy read but well worth the time. Always keep in mind his distinctions between economic nationalism and democratic nationalism.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously underestimated this book. I was thinking it was going to be mediocre at best, but maybe have some interesting views. I was totally wrong. This is a fantastic, deep dive into a little 15 year clip of time in the US. I love that it began with a really detailed discussion on the charter of the second national bank, including how views had changed or remained. It just kept going too, so much detail, so many excellent details!

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good work, though it took a little time to get used to the writing style. I would have liked to have known more about Clay's tenure at the State Department. It gave clarity to how the stage was set for Jackson.

[Amy Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The depth of details can be distracting at times.