Study Notes on the Era of Good Feelings (1815-1824)

Overview of the Era of Good Feelings (1815-1824)

• Time Frame: 1815-1824
• Context: The period following the War of 1812 characterized by a surge of patriotism and nationalism under President James Monroe.

Historical Background and Celebration

• War of 1812:
  • Second conflict with Great Britain in less than 50 years.
  • U.S. demonstrated resilience and emerged with a sense of national pride.
• National Heroes:
  • Generals Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison were celebrated for their roles in the war, contributing to a sense of national unity and pride.

Election of 1816

• James Madison's Precedent:
  • Stepped down after two terms, in line with Washington’s example of limiting presidential terms.
• James Monroe:
  • Last president from the Founding Fathers’ generation.
  • Became the third Democratic-Republican (and fourth Virginian) president.
• Election Outcome:
  • Monroe won decisively against Federalist candidate Rufus King.
• Congressional Control:
  • Democratic-Republicans gained control of 85% of congressional seats in the 1818 elections.

State Elections and Demographics

• Electoral distribution in the Election of 1816 included various states and territories, emphasizing the political landscape.

President Monroe’s Initiatives

• Travel and Unification:
  • During his first term, Monroe traveled across the country in his military uniform to promote unity and strengthen a sense of national identity.
  • His journey started in Baltimore, MD and covered 11 states, with visits to over a hundred cities, including the Michigan Territory.
• Co-optation of Press:
  • The term “Era of Good Feelings” was first used by a journalist from the Federalist newspaper, Columbian Sentinel, after Monroe's 1817 visit to Boston.

Election of 1820

• Monroe’s Uncontested Victory:
  • Monroe effectively ran unopposed; he received all but one electoral vote (one vote from New Hampshire for John Quincy Adams).

Rise of Bipartisanship

• Shift in Policy:
  • Both Republicans and Federalists recognized the importance of a healthy economy, emerging issues blurred the lines between party ideologies.
• Economic Strategies:
  • Democratic-Republicans shifted towards supporting economic measures initially favored by Federalists to encourage growth in manufacturing and trade.

Economic Proposals: The American System

• Henry Clay’s Program:
  • Dubbed the American System aimed at promoting economic growth across the nation.
• Key Components:
  • Increased Tariffs: 1816 tariff aimed to protect U.S. industrial growth.
  • Rechartering the National Bank: More branches established in various states.
  • Federal Infrastructure: Build roads, canals, and railroads to economically connect the nation.
  • Emphasis on appealing to national pride to garner support.

Challenges in Monroe's Second Term

• Economic Recession:
  • The period was marred by economic depression following the Panic of 1819.
• Sectionalism:
  • As the nation expanded, tensions over slavery and regional divisions began to emerge prominently.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

• National Crisis Over Statehood:
  • The inquiry into whether new states should be free or slave states led to a major national crisis.
• The Compromise:
  • Avoided immediate conflict over Missouri’s statehood but highlighted the potential for deep divisions within the nation regarding slavery.
  • The compromise indicated that the issue of slavery could severely split the nation as early as 1820.

Indian Policies Under Monroe

• Territorial Expansion and Native Removal:
  • Following acquisition of Florida, Monroe supported the voluntary removal of Native Americans from their ancestral territories to lands west of the Mississippi River.
• Congressional Recommendations (1817):
  • Advocated for:
  • a) Improvement in the arts of civilized life for Native Americans;
  • b) Loosening of their hold on land.
• Evolution to Forced Removal:
  • By the end of his presidency in January 1825, Monroe endorsed forced relocation of all Indians east of the Mississippi to western territories.
  • This policy had devastating effects on Native tribes, while it was celebrated by White farmers seeking land.

Vigorous Foreign Policy

• Influence on Nationalism:
  • Monroe's active foreign policy fostered a strong sense of nationalism.
• Key Treaties and Policies:
  • Adams-Onis Treaty (1819): Acquired Florida from Spain, showcasing successful diplomacy.
  • Monroe Doctrine (1823): Established a framework limiting European influence in the Western Hemisphere, implying U.S. dominance in regional affairs.
• Role of John Quincy Adams:
  • As Secretary of State, Adams played a crucial role in both the negotiation of the Adams-Onis Treaty and the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine, showcasing effective leadership in foreign policy.