This section of the AP U.S. History exam covers the time after the War of 1812 to the election of 1860 which includes the secession of states from the union as the growing country comes to a grinding halt.

This is an important time in history due to the changes of religion, government, and expansion. The cornerstone of our government becomes established  during this time, as well as the problems that come with it.

Post War of 1812

After the War of 1812, the creation of a national market economy began to form. New products were infiltrating the country from all the new people who inhabited it, thus kicking off industrialization and a variety of changes in social and class structures.

This was an important sign of progress for the growing country  and became a selling point to the world of this new empire.

With that said, immigration became a major concern as people sailed across the ocean in search of this new government and the freedom that came with it. Unfortunately, these people came with little on their backs and high dreams that were not always fulfilled.

Changes in the South

During this time, a change was taking place in the South where planters, farmers, and slaves were treated differently than their owners. This division would later lead to the emergence of the Republic Party and secession. However the tension that was created then, will cause a ripple effect that will last till Abraham Lincoln becomes a household name in 1860.

New Federal Authority

With so many people in the new country acquiring land and products, Industrial America faced  problems with federal authority and judicial federalism.

Controversies over tariffs and state’s rights were in an upswing leading to the Jacksonian democracy.

The ideas in the new nation merged together at this time leading to the American Renaissance where new forms of literacy and artistic expression grew throughout various communities in America.

Heading West

In addition to the growing population, people continued to move west where they faced great resistance from the Native American inhabitants. This led to forced territorial acquisitions and later on to the Mexican War.

The American Renaissance spawned a new way of thinking, and people began to express their ideas and go against those in the government. These protests led to pro- and antislavery arguments and conflicts.

This resulted in the Compromise of 1850. Slowly, the idea of popular sovereignty rose, as states began to gain power and separation from the overall government.

The union at this time faced great troubles with a split nation but saw a glimpse of hope with the emergence of the Republican Party and the rise of Abraham Lincoln leading to the election of 1860 and the secession.

If you have any questions about this part of U.S. History, please feel free to comment below! Thanks!