ID: Era of Good Feelings ## When: 1817-1825 (approximately)
Who:
- President James Monroe (his presidency is strongly associated with the era)
- Democratic-Republicans: The dominant political party at the time.
What:
A period in American history characterized by a sense of national unity and purpose. It followed the War of 1812, which fostered a sense of national pride and diminished the Federalist Party’s influence.
Key Features:
- One-Party System: The Federalist Party practically ceased to exist, leading to little partisan conflict.
- Nationalism: A surge in national pride and unity emerged after the war.
- Economic Growth: The American economy experienced a period of expansion and prosperity.
Impact? Why Significant?:
- Political Harmony: The absence of strong partisan battles created an atmosphere of cooperation. However, this masked growing sectional tensions that would later erupt.
- National Identity: This era contributed to the development of a stronger American identity and sense of unity.
- Expansion and Development: Policies like the Monroe Doctrine and the acquisition of Florida expanded US territory and influence.
- Seeds of sectionalism : Despite the surface harmony, issues like slavery and tariffs continued to simmer, eventually contributing to the rise of sectionalism and the demise of this era.