Why was the Era of Good Feelings Bad?
The Era of Good Feelings is a period in United States history following the War of 1812, between 1815 and 1825. It was marked by strong economic growth, increased manufacturing, and the spread of a new sense of optimism and unity. However, despite its positive reputation, the Era of Good Feelings was actually a bad time for many Americans.
Political Problems
The defining characteristic of the Era of Good Feelings was political consolidation at the national level. Regional identities were largely replaced with a single American identity and the main political party, the Democratic-Republicans, had a monopoly on the federal government. This lack of political competition caused numerous issues:
- Decreased Representation: Without competition or alternate parties, critical voices were silenced and certain regions lacked adequate representation
- Conflict of Interest: With only one party in control, politicians had less ability to check each other’s decisions and narrow interests began to take precedence
- Patronage System: To solidify their power, the period’s ruling class adopted a patronage system, rewarding loyalty with public employment and other favors
Economic Instability
Though the Era of Good Feelings was marked by great economic growth, it often came at the expense of lower- and middle-class workers. This was due to:
- Austerity Measures: In order to pay off war debts and maintain monetary stability, the government often resorted to austerity measures that put economic burden on the middle class and working class
- Growing Inequality: The government’s policies and patronage system disproportionately favored the wealthy, leading to a widening gap and decreased wages for everyone else
- Industrial Misdirection: The focus on commercial growth caused resources to be diverted away from critically important projects like roads and canals
For the privileged few, the Era of Good Feelings provided an unprecedented level of prosperity and a strong sense of national unity. However, this period was actually a bad time for many Americans. Thanks to a lack of political competition and detrimental economic policies, many people faced greater hardship and faced greater inequality than before.
3. Did other countries experience a similar period of political polarization during this time?
Yes, other countries around the world experienced a similar period of political polarization during this time. Countries such as the United States and France experienced this phenomenon, as did many European countries and others in Latin America. This polarization also extended beyond the traditional left/right divide, with political groups forming around issues such as cultural identity and religious belief.
1. What were the lasting impacts of the Era of Good Feelings?
The lasting impacts of the Era of Good Feelings include increased nationalism and a sense of economic prosperity due to the Second Bank of the United States, the Tariff of 1816 and the development of infrastructure, as well as the rise of political parties and the development of rhetoric surrounding them. Additionally, the rights of women and African Americans began to be increasingly recognized during this period.