Era of Good Feelings Dbq Outline
Historians have traditionally labeled the period after the “Era of Good Feelings.” Evaluate the accuracy of this label, considering the emergence of nationalism and sectionalism between 1815 and 1825.
When Monroe won the 1816 election, he became the first clear representative of the one=party system under the Republicans. Monroe’s victorious president election ignited the patriotic frame of mind, known as the “Era of Good Feelings.” This period coins the widespread, national mood as a result of the demise of the Federalist Party. While the first term of Monroe’s presidency more accurately reflects a period of prosperity, the following term, in 1820, indicates increased sectionalism. Despite the reputation donned to the short-lived period after the War of 1812, the years between 1815 and 1825 are more accurately characterized by economic clashes and hardship, political divisions concerning federal versus state issues as well as foreign affairs, and finally the social issues in regards to slavery. These various issues, prevalent in all aspects of
American life, demonstrated a period inundated by heated debates and disunity.
Economy/ Demographic issues:
There was a political movement to support nation’s economy through subsidizing internal improvements as well as protecting U.S. industries from European competition.
Document A-John Randolph
-Tariff of 1816- raised tariff rates on certain goods for the sole purpose of protecting U.S. manufacturers from downfall.
-early indications that there was dissatisfaction even as early as 1816- when the Era was thought to be “good”
Document information:
Duties favor manufacturers
Farmers in poverty
Manufacturers getting wealthy
Document Inferences
Sectional differences based on economic interests
Gap between wealthy and poor
Country expansion:
As a result of the immense population growth, many migrated west. The expansion towards the west ultimately resulted in both regional and economic clashes.
Immediate economic nationalism after war:
Population doubled b/w 1880=1825
Document B- John C. Calhoun, 1817
Document Information
Fears rapid territorial expansion may lead to disunity