The Era of Good Feelings Task: How do you think Americans felt after their victory in the War of 1812? Describe.
Americans felt happy after victory from the war of 1812

After the War of 1812, a new spirit of nationalism (excessive pride in one’s nation) spread throughout the United States. The absence of major political divisions after the War of 1812 helped forge a sense of national unity. In the 1816 presidential election, James Monroe, the Republican candidate, faced almost no opposition. The Federalists, weakened by doubts of their loyalty during the War of 1812, barely existed as a national party. Monroe won the election by an overwhelming margin.

Identify and explain what spread throughout the U. S. after the War of 1812:

Discuss what helped form a sense of national unity in America:

Who won the election of 1816? Why was he able to win so easily?

Although the Federalist Party had almost disappeared, many of its programs had gained popularity. Support grew for tariffs to protect American industries and a national bank. Political differences among citizens, however, seemed to fade. A Boston newspaper called these years the Era of Good Feelings. President James Monroe symbolized these good feelings and represented a united America, free of political strife.

Which Federalist programs gained popularity during the Era of Good Feelings?

Infer as to why this time period was referred to as the “Era of Good Feelings”

Early in his term, Monroe toured the nation. No president since George Washington had done so. Monroe even paid for the trip using his own expenses and tried to travel without an official escort. Local officials everywhere greeted the president and celebrated his visit. Monroe believed that all his well-wishers cheering for him revealed a “desire in the body of the people to show their attachment to the union.” In 1820 President Monroe won reelection, receiving all but one electoral vote.

Discuss what President Monroe did after getting elected:

How did the American people respond to Monroe?

“If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid – so gigantic; of a people so prosperous and happy. In [thinking about] what we still have to perform, the heart of every citizen must expand with joy when he reflects how near our Government has approached to perfection.”

- from James Monroe’s Inaugural Address,
March 1817

According to the excerpt above, how do the American citizens feel about their Government?