Before the Era of Good Feelings, the United States engaged in a confrontation with Great Britain in the War of 1812. Americans had a national pride to show independence from Great Britain, which sparked from battles such as the Battle of New Orleans, where Americans had an overwhelming victory over the British. This event is significant because this establishes the nationalism of the United States, forming the core basis of the Era of Good Feelings.
During the early 1800's France and Britain were at war and for many years America remained neutral. But, Great Britain began seizing American ships and impressing the Americans into the British Navy. In addition, Great Britain was supplying the Native Americans in North America with guns and, as a result America declared war on Britain in 1812. The phrase "Era of Good Feelings" was used to describe the administrations of Munroe in 1816 but the validity of this phrase is questioned. Many people might believe that the period after the war of 1812 was an "Era of Good Feelings" because of the nation's gain of nationalism and expansion of the country, but it was not because of growing sectionalism and state issues.
Historians have traditionally labeled the period after the War of 1812 the "Era of good feelings". Although Nationalism did exist between regions of the United States, this was just a façade. Underneath this so-called nationalism there was a great deal of regionalism also known as sectionalism. Due to this great amount of sectionalism, the different way of living, the beliefs of tariffs and slavery brought the country to divide.
The period after the War of 1812 during the presidency of James Monroe is often referred to as the “era of good feelings” because of a feeling of nationalism, a feeling of pride and national unity. The end of the Federalist Party also provided the nation with a feeling of nationalism, for there was no political opposition toward the Republicans. This title, however, may not be the most accurate label for this particular time period, for this time period marked the beginnings of sectionalism, with heated debates over tariffs, the National Bank, and most importantly, over slavery.
The period of James Monroe’s presidency has gained the term used worldwide as the “Era of Good Feelings”. It was adopted by this name because of Monroe’s action in visiting the U.S military basis and because of the spirit of nationalism and optimism gained by the people from the War of 1812. Foreign affairs exemplifies why this name is partly fact. However, the perception of unity that this era defines is somewhat misleading. Throughout this period, there were various problems that contradicted the era’s name. Some of the serious issues that divided the nation were economic depression and sectionalism.
The War of 1812 signified a military conflict between the USA and the United Kingdom of Great Britain. It’s known for many things, but the most memorable event in this period was the writing of the Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. His devotion to his country and inspiration to do anything for freedom led him to write this song, which eventually became our national anthem. He once said, “It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone.” (Francis Scott Key) The feeling that came across Scott’s being was a realization of true freedom. Both sides of the war had suffered losses, but America gained an ability to sail and trade freely. Freedom shed light once again.
The period after the war of 1812 was labeled “The Era of Good Feeling” by historians. Some people believe that this is an accurate label of this time period, but others disagree. Due to the emergence of sectionalism- concern with local interests, and nationalism- patriotic feelings and self pride, people had mixed feelings about this time period. Many people felt that times were high, and that nationalism and sectionalism could only bolster the union, while others thought that it was sectionalism and nationalism that caused disunion. Some of the documents used in this essay support the claim that the period after 1812 was an era of good feelings. Other documents will oppose this claim with proof from their own perspectives.
To deem the period of American history between the years of 1815 and 1825 “The Era of Good Feelings” is highly disagreeable,due to the immense amount of sectionalism and sour feelings between many opposing groups.For instance northerners and southerners were fighting for majority control of Congress in order to dictate slavery laws.Then there was a lot of disdain towards the Nation Government evidenced by occurrences such as the Panic of 1819 where open government opposition abound in the Union.There was so much negativity towards the Federal Government that it was difficult to find solid examples of nationalism,whereas,it was more common for people to feel more tied to the ideals of their own area.As a result,people felt less inclined
The War of 1812 was terrible for Americans because of disunity and there was no angry spirit like the Chesapeake incident, but nationalism emerged
The years 1815 to 1825 are incorrectly titled the “Era of Good Feelings.” Though many consider this time period to be one of unity and nationalism, the occurrences of this age indicate otherwise. Though there were a small amount of beneficial happenings in this era, the bad greatly outweighs the good. Perhaps America prospered economically toward the end of the era with industrialism thriving, but slavery, taxation, and the expansion of the country beckons the question of how this time in America’s history could have ever been called the Era of Good Feelings. This era included much conflict and shaped the future events to come.
Under President Monroe’s presidency, the War of 1812 broke out and was ended through the Treaty of Ghent in 1812. News of the end of the war didn’t reach America until 2 weeks later so the Battle of New Orleans occurred and it consisted of Andrew Jackson defending New Orleans because the British was intending to snatch the city and hopefully divide Louisiana from the US. Jackson's army would end up killing 2,000 British soldiers including the chief. Jackson’s army didn’t have many casualties as only 8 of his soldiers died. This victory caused Americans to be happy and proud since throughout the War of 1812 there was just disappointments occurring. This victory would therefore start the Era of Good Feelings as people would be proud and would show it through things such establishing the National flag with stars resembling the states and the stripes that would resemble the original 13 colonies.
“The Era of Good Feeling” was a time of increased nationalism and prosperity for the nation. This of course is not completely true, debates over many important issues created a crack in the outward appearance of harmony during President Monroe’s two terms. These issues include sectionalism, foreign policy of isolationism and the rights of states vs. the rights of the federal government.
The years following the War of 1812 became known as the “era of good feelings”. During this time you see the expansion of nationalism within the United States. It started mainly in the 1816 shortly before Monroe took office, and lasted until the end of his Presidency in the year of 1824. Before the “era of good feelings” there were certain events taking place that will lead up to this era. The first of these is the acquired land of the Louisiana Purchase from the French. Through this the United States was able to double its land. The gained independence from this purchase was able to keep other countries father away from the US’s boundaries and was able to separate the
The Era of Good Feelings The War of 1812 was between the British and the United States that was influenced by the war hawks in the country and the outrage Great Britain caused in America. Their impressment of sailors, refusal to withdraw soldiers from America and trade with the Native Americans all led to the cry for war from America. After the War of 1812, The United States entered a time that came to be known as the Era of Good Feelings. This era began with the inauguration of James Monroe as the 5th president of the United States. With president Monroe in office, the country entered a time where only one political party existed.
There had been a war between Britain and America, it was known as the War of 1812. This war was the turning point of America because it had soon led the nation to an “Era of Good Feelings.” The “Era of Good Feelings” is an ironic name because during this time period (1815-1825), it promoted both sectionalism and nationalism. Although some felt strongly for one way, there were some people who were in the middle and not exactly which sure they agreed with most. Nationalism is the unification of a country, and it shows how the country, and how it shouldn’t be split up.”
The United States after the War of 1812, is often described as very strong, as they had just recovered from conflicts with Britain and, as always, are hopeful for new beginnings. Historians often claim that this stage after the war is called the “Era of Good Feelings”- meaning that during this period the United States only grew stronger. However, the “Era of Good Feelings” does not live up to its name; due to the constant complications in economical (tariffs), political (corrupt bargain), and societal (slavery controversy) issues—nationalism wavers and sectionalism seems to be a reoccurring theme.