Era of Good Feelings

Definition

The 'Era of Good Feelings' was a period in American history marked by a sense of national unity and optimism following the War of 1812. It was characterized by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party and the presidency of James Monroe, who sought to heal the divisions of the past and promote national harmony.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Era of Good Feelings was marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party, which had effectively become a one-party system during this period.
2. President James Monroe's 'Monroe Doctrine' was a key foreign policy initiative during the Era of Good Feelings, asserting U.S. opposition to European colonization in the Western Hemisphere.
3. The Era of Good Feelings saw the expansion of the national transportation network, including the construction of the Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Despite the overall sense of national unity, the Era of Good Feelings also saw the emergence of sectionalism, with growing tensions between the North and South over issues like slavery and economic interests.
5. The Era of Good Feelings was followed by the rise of the two-party system, with the emergence of the Whig and Democratic parties, as political divisions and tensions began to re-emerge in the 1830s.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features and characteristics of the Era of Good Feelings in the context of 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War.
  • The Era of Good Feelings was a period of national unity and optimism following the War of 1812, marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party and the presidency of James Monroe. During this time, the United States sought to assert its identity on the global stage, with the Monroe Doctrine being a key foreign policy initiative. However, the Era of Good Feelings also saw the emergence of sectionalism, with growing tensions between the North and South, foreshadowing the eventual tensions that would lead to the Civil War. In the context of 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War, the Era of Good Feelings represented a period of relative stability and national cohesion, even as the country navigated the aftermath of the War of 1812 and the ongoing challenges of westward expansion and economic development.
• Analyze the role of nationalism and sectionalism during the Era of Good Feelings, and how these competing forces shaped the political and social landscape of the United States in the context of 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War.
  • The Era of Good Feelings was marked by a strong sense of nationalism, as the United States sought to unite and assert its identity on the global stage following the War of 1812. This was reflected in initiatives like the Monroe Doctrine and the expansion of the national transportation network. However, the Era of Good Feelings also saw the emergence of sectionalism, with growing tensions between the North and South over issues like slavery and economic interests. These competing forces of nationalism and sectionalism would continue to shape the political and social landscape of the United States in the context of 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War, as the country grappled with the challenges of westward expansion, economic development, and the growing divisions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.
• Evaluate the significance of the Era of Good Feelings in the broader context of the United States' post-War of 1812 development, and how it contributed to the country's evolving political and social dynamics in the lead-up to 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War.
  • The Era of Good Feelings represented a pivotal moment in the United States' post-War of 1812 development, as the country sought to heal the divisions of the past and promote national harmony. This period was marked by the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party, the implementation of key foreign policy initiatives like the Monroe Doctrine, and the expansion of the national transportation network. However, the Era of Good Feelings also saw the emergence of sectionalism, with growing tensions between the North and South over issues like slavery and economic interests. These tensions would continue to shape the political and social dynamics of the United States in the lead-up to 8.4 The United States Goes Back to War, as the country grappled with the challenges of westward expansion, economic development, and the growing divisions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. The Era of Good Feelings, therefore, was a complex and multifaceted period that both reflected and foreshadowed the evolving identity and challenges of the young nation.

Related terms

Democratic-Republican Party: The dominant political party in the United States during the Era of Good Feelings, formed by the merger of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republicans and Alexander Hamilton's Federalists.

Nationalism: The strong feeling of pride and loyalty towards one's country that was prevalent during the Era of Good Feelings, as the nation sought to unite and assert its identity on the global stage.

Sectionalism: The growing divisions between the North and South, which began to emerge during the Era of Good Feelings despite the overall sense of national unity, foreshadowing the eventual tensions that would lead to the Civil War.