APUSH "Era Of Good Feelings" SAQ Prep

Term - Definition + How To Use In Essay

Era of Good Feelings

A period from 1815 to 1825, marked by the presidency of James Monroe, often considered a time of political unity and nationalism —— Discuss whether the label truly fits, considering the surface-level unity but underlying tensions like sectionalism and economic divides.

James Monroe

The 5th U.S. president, serving from 1817 to 1825, whose administration is often associated with the Era of Good Feelings. —— Did his presidency foster true unity?

Tariff of 1816

A protective tariff designed to support American industry by taxing foreign imports, which particularly affected the South. —— Highlight how economic policies like the tariff revealed growing sectional differences between the North and South, challenging unity.

2nd Bank of the United States

A national bank chartered in 1816 to stabilize the economy, but it became controversial and exacerbated divisions between regions. —— Discuss how the debate over the national bank reflected political and economic tensions during the supposed "era of unity."

Panic of 1819

The first significant financial crisis in U.S. history, leading to widespread economic hardship and questioning the nation's unity. —— Show how the Panic of 1819 disrupted the idea of harmony, causing economic strife that hit the lower classes and farmers particularly hard.

Missouri Compromise

A 1820 agreement that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power. —— Use this to demonstrate the growing sectionalism over slavery, which seriously challenged the notion of national unity during this period.

Monroe Doctrine

A foreign policy doctrine declaring that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. —— Cite the Monroe Doctrine as an example of foreign policy success, fostering a sense of national pride and unity in international matters.

Adams-Onis Treaty

An 1819 treaty with Spain in which the U.S. acquired Florida, representing a diplomatic success and a moment of national unity. —— Mention how territorial expansion through diplomacy helped bolster national unity and pride, supporting the positive aspects of the era.

McCulloch v. Maryland

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1819 affirming federal authority over the states and upholding the constitutionality of the national bank. —— Use this to discuss the ongoing debate over states' rights vs. federal power, which created political tensions during this period.

Peculiar institution

A term used to describe slavery in the southern U.S., reflecting its growing role as a divisive issue between North and South. ——