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Essay / The Era of Good Feelings - 910
After the War of 1812, the period that followed was considered an "era of good feeling", mainly due to the emergence of a national party – the Republicans and the growth of nationalism and a sense of national pride and unity. However, this title was not correct for this period, because sectionalism - the idea of being more concerned with the interests of a particular group or nation than with the interests of a more specific group or country broad - began to grow and take over the nationalists - those who were loyal and proud and believed in the importance of their country. Sectionalism led to tension and conflict between North and South, particularly over tariffs, the National Bank, and slavery, suggesting that this era was not entirely full of "good feelings." . After the War of 1812, the United States saw a nationalist spark begin to ignite. The emergence of nationalism was largely due to the Hartford Convention and the Federalists' call for secession from the union. With the end of the war, the Federalist Party declined and the Republican Party emerged unopposed. Feelings of pride, national unity, and patriotism were evoked, as shown in an image depicting Fourth of July festivities in Philadelphia in 1819 (Doc C). Just as the Fourth of July celebration exemplifies nationalism, so did Secretary of State John Quincy Adams' diary. He implored and suggested that the United States take a strong stand against Britain and Spain, Russia and Prussia (Doc H). President Monroe was keen that the United States should not appear subordinate to Great Britain. In 1823, the Monroe Doctrine was proclaimed and asserted the authority of the United States. In addition to concerns that the United States does not appear subordinate... middle of paper ...... Secretary of State. The southern states, who were Jacksonian supporters, were subsequently outraged and furious. They claimed it was unfair and called him “corrupt”. This drove an even greater divide between the southern states and the northern states, which had favored Adams. This political event embodies sectionalism and discredits the idea that this era was an "age of good feeling." Although nationalism emerged after the War of 1812, it was quickly crushed and eclipsed by growing sectionalism and tensions in the United States. Tariffs, the National Bank, and slavery all played a role in further dividing the nation and ensuring sectionalism. Although this period was traditionally described as the "era of good feelings", it was not, thanks to the emergence of sectionalism and the division between North and South..