Monroe's Blog

December 1823
Because there are so many European powers trying to control Mexico, Central America, and South America, I addressed Congress today with the Monroe Doctrine which states that any European nation trying to create colonies or interfere with the free nations of Latin America would be considered a threat to our peace and safety. Even though Britain wanted to be partners with us in this protection, I agree with John Adams that we should take action alone.

1821
Spain has agreed to Mexico's independence. (I think Spain's in trouble)

1821
The people of Central America declared their independence from Spain.

1819
Spain has been defeated in the northern part of South America.

1819
Spain's control in Florida is weakening. Andrew Jackson, who was sent to retrieve slaves from Florida, seized two important Spanish towns and forced the governor to flee Florida. This attack showed that the US could take over Florida whenever it wanted to. Spain decided to give up the territory. The signing of the
Adams-Onis treaty gave Florida to us.

1819
The courts have been busy issuing rulings that strengthen the power of the government. In McCulloch v. Maryland, the court protected the second bank of the United States from paying a tax because they were operating in a another state. In Dartmouth College v. Woodward, New Hampshire could not change Dartmouth's charter.

1817
The American people believe that the federal government should take action to help everyone make a profit. Outstanding individuals who held this position were: Henry Clay, John Calhoun, and Daniel Webster. Henry Clay supports the construction of roads and canals so the three regions of the country can trade with one another. Daniel Webster supports the tariffs on Europeans goods so that New England factories can compete. John Calhoun opposes the tariffs because they raise the price of the goods the southerns buy. I hope these sectionalists can come up with a solution that is agreeable.

Summer 1817
I am in Boston, and a local newspaper has described this national unity has the "Era of Good Feelings".

1817
I, James Monroe, have officially taken office by a landslide republican victory. I want to promote a national unity. In the spring and summer of this year, I will make a goodwill circuit of the middle and northern sections of the countries.

1816
One of the problems that we are facing since the war ended is foreign competition. The British are able to produce their goods more cheaply and they are dumping their goods in the United States. This has caused dozens of New England businesses to fail. They are demanding a tariff to raise the price of foreign goods. Congress responded with the tariff of 1816. The tariffs are supported by the north but resented by the south. As the debate over the tariffs goes on, Henry Clay came up with the American System. According to Clay, the extra money would help northerners to purchase farm products from the west and south. It would also produce money for the Federal government to build roads, bridges, and canals.

1810
The Spanish colonies seem to be wanting to follow our example and free themselves from Spanish rule. Leaders of this movement include Miguel Hidalgo who has helped Mexico and Simon Bolivar who has helped in northern South America. Now we need to protect our trade with Latin America.

Madison's Blog

December 25th 1814

Yesterday peace talks began in Ghent, Belgium. By the end of the day Britain signed a peace treaty with the United States that ended the war. This treaty was called the Treaty of Ghent. Locally, New Englanders were meeting in Hartford, Connecticut criticizing me and calling this war "Mr. Madison's War". They were upset because of the blockade that damaged their trade. Can you believe they were actually considering withdrawing from the United States?! But when news of the peace treaty arrived, the Hartford Convention ended.

September 13th 1814

The American flag was still standing at dawn. The Americans held off the British attack.

August 1814

The British have attacked Washington DC. They set fire to several government buildings. My wife Dolly barely escaped with her life. They've moved on to Baltimore to attack Fort McHenry! God help us.

March 1814

The Native Americans, esp the Creeks have been giving Americans a difficult time, attacking their settlement. Andrew Jackson took charge of the forces in Georgia and defeated the Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. The treaty that ended the fighting forced the Creeks to give up millions of acres of land.

June of 1812

After receiving much pressure, I have agreed to allow Congress to declare war on Britain.

Spring of 1812

Relations with Britain are getting worse. They continue to impress our American sailors.

November 1809

I have become president and now I inherit all the situational problems that Jefferson dealt with. I do not wish to go to war with Britain or France. I would like to find a peaceful solution. The American people have developed a sense of Nationalism. Henry Clay, John Calhoun and their supporters, also called the War Hawks, are ready to go to war with Britain.

1805

The Shawnee war chief, Tecumseh, has allied himself with Britain hoping that a British victory will mean the return of Native American lands. While Tecumseh was away from the Shawnee people, General Henry Harrison, defeated their tribe at the Battle of Tippecanoe.