The Era of Good Feelings

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After the war of 1812, the period that followed was viewed as an “Era of Good Feelings”, mainly because of the emergence of one national party-the Republicans-and the growth of nationalism and a feeling of pride and national unity. However, this title was not correct for this time period, as sectionalism-the idea of being more concerned with the interests of you particular group or nation that with the interests of the larger group or country- began to grow and outweigh the nationalists-those who were loyal and proud to and believed of the importance of their country. Sectionalism brought with it tensions and conflict between the North and South, especially over tariffs, the National Bank, and slavery, which suggested that this era was not entirely full of “Good Feelings”.

After the war of 1812, the United States saw a nationalist spark begin to ignite. The emergence of nationalism was largely due to the Hartford Convention and the federalists’ call for secession from the union. With the end of the war, the Federalist Party diminished and the Republican Party emerged with no opposition. Feelings of pride, national unity, and patriotism were evoked, as seen in a picture depicting Fourth of July festivités in Philadelphia in 1819 (Doc C). Just as the Fourth of July celebration illustrates nationalism, the diary of secretary of state John Quincy Adams did as well. He implored and suggested that the United States take a firm stand against Britain and Spain, Russia and Prussia (Doc H). President Monroe was concerned that the United States not appear subordinate to Britain. In 1823 the Monroe Doctrine was proclaimed, and asserted the authority of the United States. As well as having fears that the United States not appear subordinat...

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... secretary of state. The southern states, who were Jacksonian supporters, were subsequently outraged and furious. They claimed it was unfair and classified it as “corrupt”. This drove a greater wedge between the southern states and the northern states, who had favored Adams. This political event epitomized sectionalism and discredits the notion that this time was an “Era of Good Feelings”.

Whereas Nationalism did emerge following the war of 1812, it was quickly squashed down and overshadowed by the growing sectionalism and tension in the United States. Tariffs, the National Bank, and slavery all played a role in further dividing the nation and securing that sectionalism would prevail. Even though the period was traditionally labeled as the “Era of Good Feelings”, it was anything but, thanks to the emergence of sectionalism and the division of the North and South.

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