“The Era of Good Feelings”

“The Era of Good Feelings” James Monroe’s Presidency 1817-1825

The Era of Good Feelings…..What does it mean? • After the War of 1812, there was a period of peace . This was known as the “Era of Good Feelings” • During this time: • There were no major political divisions (Federalists had almost disappeared) • The war created a sense of National unity • Peace • = unfortunately this time did not last long 

What Happened? • After the war, sectionalismdeveloped • Sectionalism means: • Each region of the United States (North, South, West) were very loyal to their region • This loyalty and pride in their region caused differences of ideas amongst people of the U.S. • What were some of the difficulties caused by sectionalism? • Conflicts over slavery=to own or not to? • States rights vs. National government=can a state refuse to obey the constitution? • Tariffs=high tariffs protect American industry, but then what about those that need to buy stuff from other countries? • National Bank= constitutional or unconstitutional? • Internal Improvements (like roads, canals, transportation)= costly, and expansion yes or no?

John C. Calhoun • Was a former War Hawk • Supported state sovereignty (states should have the power to rule themselves) • Opposed high tariffs • said high tariffs were unfair to farmers in the South who couldn’t manufacture their own goods and HAD to purchase manufactured items at higher prices • Also said tariffs protected inefficient manufacturers

Daniel Webster • Worked in the House of Representatives and Senate • Supported Tariffs which protected American industries from foreign competition (Protective Tariffs) • Supported policies which he believed would strengthen the North • Was known as a great orator (speaker)

Henry Clay • Former War Hawk • From Kentucky • Speaker of the House of Representatives that represented the Western states • Was a negotiator of the Treaty of Ghent • Was known as a national leader who tried to resolve sectional disputes through compromise

The Missouri compromise 1820 • The year is 1820 • Missouri wants to become a state, but there’s a problem: • The South wants Missouri to enter as a slave state • The North wants Missouri to enter as a free state • Then Maine applied for statehood…. • Henry Clay came up with a solution: • Missouri will be a slave state • Maine will be a free state • And slavery will not be allowed in the remainder of the Louisiana Territory • This became known as the • Missouri Compromise of 1820 • (and it kept people happy at least for a while)

Mcculloch v. Maryland

Gibbon v. Ogden

Foreign affairs: the Monroe doctrine • After the War of 1812, Monroe tried to solve any left over disputes with Britain • Both sides agreed to demilitarize (downsize the army to peacetime size) • Set northern boundaries of U.S. • U.S. gained Florida through the Adams-Onis Treaty • The U.S. paid Spanish debts, and got Florida • Spain was loosing a lot of its colonies and asked European countries for help • President Monroe issued a statement known as the MONROE DOCTRINE which said Europe had NO BUSINESS INTERFERING WITH ANY COLONIES OR COUNTRIES IN THE AMERICAS . • North and South America are NO LONGER OPEN FOR COLONIZATION • If any European country got involved would mean war with the U.S!

“The Era of Good Feelings”