AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: The Era of Good Feelings (Day 85/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Era of Good Feelings in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Independence Day Celebration in Centre Square, Philadelphia, Wikimedia Commons

After the War of 1812, a period known as the Era of Good Feelings commenced. It is a term to label the general spirit of nationalism, optimism, and good will in the country.

We Owe Allegiance to No Crown, 1814, Wikimedia Commons

While the War of 1812 ended with no decisive victor, Americans believed they had won this “second war for independence.” This is largely seen as the catalyst for the Era of Good Feelings.

Election of 1820, 270 to Win

One major example of the Era of Good Feelings was that there was essentially only one political party from around 1816 to 1828, the Democratic Republicans. The Federalist Party disappeared after being severely criticized for the Hartford Convention at the end of the war.

James Monroe, White House Historical Association

Democratic Republicans led by President James Monroe responded by adopting some Federalist measures including economic policies focused on self sufficiency. This led many former Federalists to vote for Democratic-Republican candidates rather than starting a new party.

After the War of 1812, an Era of Good Feelings emerged. Americans, with just one major political party, demonstrated high levels of nationalism and optimism.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Boundary Disputes in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!