Era of Good Feelings: A Time of National Unity

Historical Event

Date

1817 - 1825

Location

United States

Boston, MA

Result

Democratic-Republican Party dominance

Introduction

The Era of Good Feelings (approximately 1815–1825) was a period in U.S. history marked by a sense of national unity and political harmony following the War of 1812. This era saw the collapse of the Federalist Party, leading to the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and a temporary one-party system under President James Monroe (1817–1825). The era symbolized growing nationalism, economic growth, and territorial expansion but also masked underlying sectional tensions that later contributed to political divisions. Its outcome was the eventual split of the Democratic-Republican Party, setting the stage for the Second Party System after the contentious 1824 election.

Background and causes of the era of good feelings

Following the War of 1812, the United States entered a period marked by strong national pride and the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party, creating what became known as the Era of Good Feelings, roughly from 1815 to the mid-1820s. This period was fueled by factors such as economic growth, peace with Britain, and a sense of political unity due to the collapse of the Federalist Party. The administration of President James Monroe, who toured the country in 1817 receiving widespread support, symbolized this hopeful spirit. Key causes included national economic stability with support for internal improvements, a national bank, and tariffs. However, tensions began to rise due to economic downturns like the Panic of 1819 and deepening sectional disagreements over slavery and political power struggles within the Democratic-Republican Party. These underlying issues eventually eroded the unity that initially defined the era, signaling its end by the mid-1820s.

Key events during the era of good feelings

The Era of Good Feelings was marked by several significant events that shaped the nation's political and economic landscape between 1815 and the mid-1820s.

National unity grows

Following the War of 1812, a wave of national pride swept over the United States, stemming from perceived victory and the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1815. This period saw the collapse of the Federalist Party, especially after the Hartford Convention, leaving the Democratic-Republican Party as the dominant political force. James Monroe’s presidential election in 1816, which he won by a landslide, symbolized this near one-party political climate. Monroe attempted to promote a sense of unity by approaching his presidency with goodwill, taking a tour of the country to ease lingering regional divisions.

Economic progress

During Monroe’s administration, Congress passed important legislation that supported economic growth. This included the creation of the Second National Bank and protective tariffs designed to pay off war debts. These measures, combined with ending federal taxes such as property taxes, helped foster economic confidence. The nation's economy showed signs of prosperity, which bolstered the optimistic atmosphere associated with the era.

Political harmony and tensions

While the term "Era of Good Feelings" reflected a reduction in bitter partisan conflict, particularly between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, political tensions still simmered beneath the surface. Monroe's efforts to downplay political parties and foster national unity were notable, but disputes over issues like slavery, tariffs, and internal improvements began to emerge. The phrase itself was coined somewhat ironically by a Boston newspaper after Monroe’s 1817 visit, highlighting both real optimism and underlying discord.

Precursors to change

The one-party system of the era did not last long. Toward the end of Monroe’s presidency and with the contentious election of 1824, the Democratic-Republican Party began to fracture. This division gave rise to new political alignments and the eventual Second Party System, signaling the close of the Era of Good Feelings.

Overall, the era unfolded as a time of temporary national harmony and economic optimism, bookended by the War of 1812 and the political upheaval that followed Monroe's presidency.

Outcomes of the era

The Era of Good Feelings led to important outcomes marked by a sense of national unity and economic growth. Under President James Monroe, the nation experienced increased nationalism and a decline of the Federalist Party, leaving the Democratic-Republicans largely unopposed. During this time, the government passed protective tariffs and created the Second National Bank, which helped pay off war debts and stabilize the economy. Infrastructure projects like roads and canals improved trade and transportation, contributing to prosperity. Despite these positive changes, challenges remained, such as continued discrimination against Native Americans and limited voting rights for women and minorities. The era ended with rising political divisions, sectionalism, and the contentious election of 1824, which fractured the Democratic-Republican Party and led directly to the rise of Andrew Jackson’s Democratic Party and the end of this brief period of unity.

Historical importance and lasting impact

The Era of Good Feelings (1815–1825) holds historical importance as a time of national unity and political cooperation following the War of 1812. It saw the collapse of the Federalist Party, leaving the Democratic-Republican Party dominant and leading to a temporary decline in partisan conflict. The era featured major developments like the Missouri Compromise, which managed sectional tensions over slavery, and the Monroe Doctrine, asserting U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its name, this period also revealed escalating divisions that foreshadowed future political conflicts, contributing to the rise of new party systems and sectionalism in America.