“Remember the Alamo” became a rallying point that would ring throughout our nation’s history.
Revenge is a strong motivation, and during military conflict, it can be a powerful potion for action.
As the Texans flexed their muscles and demanded autonomy, the skirmishes began. Following the “Grass Fight” in November 1835, the Texans moved toward the Alamo mission in San Antonio and, in a systematic siege on the settlement, forced the Mexican forces to withdraw back toward the Rio Grande. Continue reading
I have a confession before I launch into today’s history story. I’m a Tennessean who had three great-great-grandfathers who fought alongside General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans; a Tennessean who grew up with stories of the general as the hero of the War of 1812. I am still a Tennessean, but one who has lived for the last 46 years in Chattanooga — the origin of the Trail of Tears — and who now understands more clearly the multi-faceted Jackson, who defies a simple analysis as a man and as a president.
James Monroe had enjoyed his eight years in the White House and, while well liked without perhaps the reverence citizens had exhibited for George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, his administration had expanded the nation’s footprint with Florida and its international role with the Monroe Doctrine. His strong sense of nationalism was appropriate for a time when the republic was evolving and growing, and his devotion to the precedents of the past fueled his decision to only serve two terms. After all, he had run unopposed in 1820, and there were those who encouraged him to “stay the course,” but Washington’s words made that decision for him. 
If you mention James Monroe’s presidency and foreign diplomacy, most students of history immediately think “Monroe Doctrine,” a uniquely crafted document that would be applied time and again — across the decades — as a cornerstone of international policy. How did the Monroe Doctrine come into existence? 
The War of 1812 had highlighted the need for easy movement between regions and unity’s impact on military security. James Monroe inherited that concern. As the nation expanded and additional territorial lands met the requirements for statehood and applied for admission to the Union, the need for internal improvements was obvious. Relatively primitive roads on the frontier, aided only by water transport, made the movement of goods and military assets difficult. 
As we enter a presidential campaign season, many of us are probably hoping for an era of good feelings, or at least civil discourse, which seemed to have been abundant during James Monroe’s administration. It may be difficult today to imagine that Monroe, always depicted as an unsmiling, stoic individual, was actually extremely popular among voters and the general public. The fact that he was truly interested in the people of his relatively young nation and the regions in which they lived connected him with his constituents. 
Confession time. I like to imagine living during an era of “good feelings,” especially when considering political and economic factors. Granted, I have a blessed life, and I enjoy living in this republic based on the important qualities of liberty, equality, and justice, even if those ideals are still a work in progress. However, I admit that I approach the print and programmed media news each day with a bit of trepidation. It seems as though we find new ways to separate ourselves into groups of individuals who stand in our corners and hurl insults toward each other, focusing on our differences and seldom acknowledging our similarities.
We know it as the War of 1812, but I prefer to call the events of 1812-1815 the Second American Revolution.
Who doesn’t enjoy spending some time with the hardworking, shy, cerebral heartthrob adored by Dolley Payne Madison, the darling of Washington, DC, society? Certainly, I do.
After eight years in the White House confronted with domestic and foreign policy challenges, Thomas Jefferson supported the candidacy of his protégé James Madison to step into the leadership role. Jefferson understood that Madison, only eight years his junior, possessed the skills — both intellectual and leadership acumen — that made him the ideal successor. Admittedly, Madison had paid his dues and had gained a reputation as a tireless scholar and devoted supporter of the republic. 
