Era of Good Feelings
I. The election of 1816 (Madison wins ) gives the appearance of national unity – A. James Monroe wins after Madison – B. The Federalist Party breaks up
II. The Monroe Doctrine – A. European powers are planning moves to gain or regain territory in the Western Hemisphere – B. Monroe with his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams issues the Monroe Doctrine 1. The American continent is no longer open to colonization 2. The US would not interfere in Europe 3. European intervention in the Western Hemisphere would be considered an act against the USA
III. Sectionalism – A. There begin to be cracks in national unity – B. Sectional differences grow as the nation grows 1. North, South and West all want different things 2. Land sales, tariffs, improvements in infrastructure and eventually slavery
– C. Interposition ( States can object to Federal law) – D. Nullification (States could refuse to follow a law) – E. Secession (States could leave the Union) 1. Henry Clay (Kentucky) becomes known as the “Great Compromiser” 2. Daniel Webster (Mass.) speaks for preserving the Union and Federal supremacy 3. John C. Calhoun (South Carolina) spoke for State’s Rights