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Difficulty: MediumThe War of 1812 and the Monroe Doctrine

Representative Felix Grundy, speech in the House of Representatives, December 1811:

"It is not the maritime war of Britain which has brought us to this state; it is her system of paper blockades, and her Orders in Council, which have swept our commerce from the ocean... But, sir, I am willing to look at the other side of this question. What will be the consequences of war? ... We shall drive the British from our continent—we shall shut them out from all communication with the Indians on our Northwestern frontier... We shall acquire the Canadas, and we shall establish our independence on a foundation that can never be shaken."

The foreign policy goals expressed in the excerpt most directly reflect which of the following motivations?

  1. The desire of Western and Southern political leaders to expand United States territory and eliminate British support for Native American resistanceAnswer
  2. B
    A commitment to establishing a joint military alliance with newly independent Latin American nations to repel European colonization
  3. C
    The efforts of Federalist merchants to secure federal funding for the construction of northern manufacturing centers
  4. D
    A strict constructionist attempt to limit the executive branch's power to negotiate trade treaties with European nations

Answer

The desire of Western and Southern political leaders to expand United States territory and eliminate British support for Native American resistance
The correct answer is correct because Felix Grundy was a prominent 'War Hawk' from Tennessee. War Hawks were Western and Southern Democratic-Republicans who advocated for war against Great Britain in 1812. They sought to defend American sovereignty against British maritime violations (like the Orders in Council and impressment), but they also had strong regional interests in ending British support for Native American resistance on the western frontier and acquiring new territory in Canada and Spanish Florida.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the stimulus document and identify the speaker and context.
The excerpt is from a speech by Representative Felix Grundy in December 1811, advocating for war with Great Britain.
Understanding the time period (just prior to the War of 1812) and the political background of the speaker helps identify the goals of the War Hawks.
2
Examine the specific objectives mentioned by the speaker in the text.
Grundy highlights the desire to 'drive the British from our continent,' 'shut them out from all communication with the Indians on our Northwestern frontier,' and 'acquire the Canadas.'
These points reflect the territorial ambition and security concerns that motivated Western and Southern Democratic-Republicans.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that matches these goals and context.
The statement about Western and Southern leaders seeking territorial expansion and the elimination of British support for Native American resistance directly matches the goals in the excerpt.
This shows an understanding of the regional differences in support for the War of 1812, where Western 'War Hawks' prioritized frontier security and expansion.

Key Concept

The motivations and regional dynamics behind the U.S. decision to declare war on Great Britain in the War of 1812.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The War of 1812 and the Monroe Doctrine

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