Era of Good Feelings and Political Developments Post-War of 1812

Context

• Post-War of 1812 (Ended 1815) brought peace and reduced threat from Britain.
• Focus on elections and political climate of the era.

Election of 1816

• James Madison follows Washington and Jefferson by not seeking a third term.
• Democratic Republicans nominate James Monroe (supported by Madison and Jefferson).
• Federalists nominate Rufus King, the last Federalist candidate.
• Monroe wins decisively, becoming the 5th President (4th from Virginia).

Election of 1820

• Monroe runs unopposed; no Federalist opposition.
• Minimal internal opposition within Democratic Republicans.
• Monroe nearly receives all electoral votes; minor dissent within his party.
• Era termed as "Era of Good Feelings" due to single-party dominance and increased nationalism post-War of 1812, especially after the Battle of New Orleans.

Political Climate: Era of Good Feelings

• Marked by political stability and nationalism.
• Single-party system dominated by Democratic Republicans.
• Foreign relations stable; focus on domestic policy.

Economic and Policy Views

• Democratic Republicans maintained Jeffersonian ideals:
  • Preference for agrarian economy over industrialization.
  • Opposition to the National Bank, viewed as favoring industry over agriculture.
  • First National Bank was abolished in 1811.
• Economic changes since the 1790s made these views seem outdated.
• Rise of younger politicians pushing new policies.
  • Former War Hawks (e.g., Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun) within Democratic Republicans advocated for adaptation to manufacturing and bank support.
• Emergence of "New Republicans" within the party.
• Adoption of some Hamiltonian ideas like banks and tariffs.

Generational Divide in Politics

• Older politicians resistant to significant changes, much like today.
• Younger politicians pushed for more radical reforms.
• Discussion on the need for refreshed ideas, age, and term limits.

Political Transformation

• Democratic Republicans eventually split into two new parties.
• Division not strictly along age lines.
• Upcoming topics will explore how the "Era of Good Feelings" transitions to political fragmentation.