Era of Good Feelings and Political Shifts

Overview

This lecture covers the Era of Good Feelings after the War of 1812, highlighting the rise of American nationalism, key figures and policies, growing internal divisions, and the events leading up to the "Corrupt Bargain" of 1824.

The Era of Good Feelings

• The Era of Good Feelings followed the War of 1812, marked by national pride and unity.
• James Monroe's presidency (1817–1825) symbolized this era, and he won elections by large margins.
• Monroe's "goodwill tour" helped unify former Federalists with Democratic-Republicans.
• The U.S. economy grew through industrialization, infrastructure (roads, canals), and western expansion.

Political Changes and Expansion

• The Democratic-Republican Party dominated, but showed signs of adopting Federalist policies.
• Monroe chartered the Second National Bank to stabilize the economy after issues from the War of 1812.
• Federal involvement in infrastructure (e.g., National Road) spurred debate over states' rights.
• The U.S. acquired Florida through the Adams-Onís Treaty (1819) after Andrew Jackson's military incursion.

The Monroe Doctrine

• The Monroe Doctrine (1823) declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to future European colonization.
• The U.S. viewed any European intervention as an act of aggression and a threat of war.

Rising Sectionalism and Economic Crisis

• The Panic of 1819, caused by a collapse in textile markets and bank failures, led to regional tensions.
• The Second National Bank only supported northeastern industries, angering southern and western farmers.
• Sectional differences increased over issues like banking and slavery.

Slavery and the Missouri Compromise

• Missouri's application for statehood as a slave state in 1819 threatened the balance of free and slave states.
• The Mason-Dixon Line previously determined free vs. slave status, but did not extend into new territories.
• The Tallmadge Amendment (limiting slavery in Missouri) failed due to southern opposition.
• Henry Clay's Missouri Compromise (1820): Missouri admitted as a slave state, Maine as a free state, and slavery banned north of the 36° 30′ line (except Missouri).
• The compromise was a temporary fix, foreshadowing future conflicts.

The Election of 1824 and the "Corrupt Bargain"

• Four Democratic-Republicans (Jackson, Adams, Clay, Crawford) split the vote in 1824.
• Andrew Jackson won the most votes, but lacked a majority, sending the decision to the House of Representatives.
• John Quincy Adams won the presidency after Henry Clay allegedly influenced the vote; Clay became Secretary of State.
• Jackson called this the "Corrupt Bargain," damaging trust in government and ending the Era of Good Feelings.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Era of Good Feelings — A period of national unity and pride after the War of 1812.
• Democratic-Republican Party — Political party favoring states' rights and decentralized government.
• Second National Bank — Federal bank to stabilize the economy, chartered by Monroe.
• Adams-Onís Treaty (1819) — Agreement transferring Florida from Spain to the U.S.
• Monroe Doctrine (1823) — Policy barring European colonial interference in the Americas.
• Panic of 1819 — Financial crisis due to textile market collapse and bank failures.
• Mason-Dixon Line — Boundary used to separate free and slave states in the East.
• Tallmadge Amendment — Proposed limits on slavery in Missouri; failed to pass.
• Missouri Compromise (1820) — Allowed Missouri as slave, Maine as free, and barred slavery north of 36° 30′.
• Corrupt Bargain — Alleged deal between Adams and Clay in the 1824 election.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the Missouri Compromise and Monroe Doctrine for their long-term impact.
• Prepare for discussion or reading on the Jacksonian Era and its significance.
• Study how sectionalism and economic crises contributed to political changes in the U.S.