The Era of Good Feelings in APUSH: A Period of National Unity and Prosperity

The Era of Good Feelings was a period in American history from 1815 to 1825, following the War of 1812. It was a time of relative peace and prosperity for the United States, marked by a sense of national unity and optimism. The Era of Good Feelings was characterized by a number of important developments, including the expansion of the American economy, the westward expansion of the United States, and the rise of nationalism.

Economic Expansion

The Era of Good Feelings was a time of economic expansion for the United States. The nation’s economy grew rapidly, driven by the expansion of agriculture, the development of new industries, and the construction of new roads and canals. The gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States increased by 50% during the Era of Good Feelings, and the nation’s population grew from 8 to 10 million people.

The expansion of agriculture was a major factor in the economic growth of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. The nation’s farmers produced a surplus of food, which they were able to sell to other countries. This increased the nation’s wealth and helped to finance the development of new industries.

The development of new industries was another major factor in the economic growth of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. The nation’s industries produced a wide range of goods, including textiles, iron, and machinery. This increased the nation’s productivity and helped to create jobs for its citizens.

The construction of new roads and canals was also a major factor in the economic growth of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. These new roads and canals made it easier for people and goods to travel throughout the nation. This increased trade and commerce and helped to boost the economy.

Westward Expansion

The Era of Good Feelings was also a time of westward expansion for the United States. The nation’s borders expanded westward to the Rocky Mountains, as settlers moved west in search of land and opportunity. The westward expansion was driven by a number of factors, including the desire for land, the desire for adventure, and the desire for economic opportunity.

The desire for land was a major factor in the westward expansion of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. The nation’s population was growing rapidly, and many people were looking for land to farm. The government encouraged westward expansion by offering land grants to settlers.

The desire for adventure was another major factor in the westward expansion of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. Many people were drawn to the West by the promise of adventure and the chance to explore new lands. The West was seen as a place where people could escape the constraints of civilization and live a more free and independent life.

The desire for economic opportunity was also a major factor in the westward expansion of the United States during the Era of Good Feelings. The West was seen as a place where people could find new opportunities for wealth and success. Many people moved west in search of gold, silver, and other valuable resources.

Rise of Nationalism

The Era of Good Feelings was also a time of rising nationalism in the United States. The nation’s citizens were increasingly proud of their country and its achievements. This nationalism was expressed in a number of ways, including the adoption of new national symbols, the celebration of national holidays, and the development of a national literature.

Adoption of new national symbols

The adoption of new national symbols was one way that Americans expressed their nationalism during the Era of Good Feelings. The American flag was adopted as the nation’s official flag in 1814, and the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the nation’s national anthem in 1818. These symbols helped to create a sense of national unity and patriotism.

Celebration of national holidays

The celebration of national holidays was another way that Americans expressed their nationalism during the Era of Good Feelings. The Fourth of July was celebrated as a national holiday from the nation’s founding, and other national holidays were added during the Era of Good Feelings. These holidays provided an opportunity for Americans to come together and celebrate their nation’s achievements.

Development of a national literature

The development of a national literature was another way that Americans expressed their nationalism during the Era of Good Feelings. American writers began to produce works that celebrated the nation’s history, its values, and its people. These works helped to create a sense of national identity and pride.

The Era of Good Feelings was a period of national unity and prosperity for the United States. It was a time of economic expansion, westward expansion, and rising nationalism. These factors helped to shape the United States into the nation it is today.