Era of good feelings

Definition

The era of good feelings refers to a period in United States history from approximately 1817 to 1825, characterized by a sense of national unity and political calm following the War of 1812. During this time, the Democratic-Republican Party dominated politics, leading to the decline of partisan divisions and the absence of significant opposition, creating an atmosphere that fostered national pride and economic growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The era of good feelings saw President James Monroe's administration pursue policies aimed at fostering national unity and economic expansion.
2. During this time, there was a decline in the Federalist Party's influence, contributing to a one-party system dominated by the Democratic-Republicans.
3. The period was marked by significant infrastructure improvements, including the development of roads and canals to facilitate commerce.
4. While the era is known for its political harmony, underlying tensions related to sectionalism began to emerge, particularly regarding issues like slavery.
5. The era culminated with Monroe's presidency, which included the introduction of the Monroe Doctrine as a key foreign policy stance.

Review Questions

• How did the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party during the era of good feelings influence American political dynamics?
  • The dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party during this period led to a significant reduction in partisan conflict and competition, essentially creating a one-party system. This political environment allowed for smoother governance and less political strife, which contributed to a sense of national unity. However, this lack of competition also meant that alternative viewpoints were marginalized, setting the stage for future political realignments.
• Discuss how economic policies during the era of good feelings contributed to national development and unity.
  • Economic policies during the era were focused on promoting infrastructure development, such as roads and canals that improved transportation and trade. These initiatives not only fostered economic growth but also connected different regions of the country, reinforcing a sense of unity among Americans. The federal government's involvement in supporting internal improvements helped to create a more integrated national economy, which was crucial for maintaining stability during this politically harmonious time.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the era of good feelings on American political parties and sectional tensions that followed.
  • While the era of good feelings fostered initial unity and stability, it also masked growing sectional tensions that would later contribute to significant conflicts within the nation. The lack of a strong opposition party allowed for the emergence of differing regional interests, especially regarding slavery and economic policy. As these tensions escalated into major conflicts such as the Civil War, it became clear that the superficial harmony of this period did not resolve underlying divisions. The eventual fragmentation of parties in response to these tensions demonstrated that political cohesion could not be sustained without addressing fundamental differences among various segments of American society.

Related terms

Democratic-Republican Party: A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that dominated U.S. politics in the early 19th century, advocating for agrarian interests and a limited federal government.

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas and asserted that any intervention by external powers would be viewed as a hostile act.

Sectionalism: The tendency of different regions or sections of a country to develop distinct interests and identities, often leading to conflicts, particularly in relation to issues like slavery during the era leading up to the Civil War.