The Era of Good Feelings

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Although the years between 1816 and 1826 are commonly known as, "the Era of Good Feelings," ("The Era of Good Feelings (1816-1828)"), they were also years during which the seeds of political sectionalism and the reincarnation of the two party system were sown. Following Jefferson's presidency, the Federalist party dissolved and the Democratic-Republicans rose to be the dominant political power of the time. As the Democratic-Republican party grew in strength, it became more diversified and assimilated former members of the Federalist party. Eventually, as the party developed, it changed its name to the National Republicans or just the Republicans (The Cartoon History of the United States 121). Despite this display of national spirit and solidarity, the country was slowly being divided from the inside. (The Cartoon History of the United States "The Era of Good Feelings (1816-1828)")

Reference to this period as the Era of Good Feelings is a misnomer. Although. There was only one party, it was highly fragmented as a result of emerging regional, economic, ideological, and sociological differences. These divisions were, however, masked by an overall feeling if nationalism and progressiveness. The nation was pulled together by a sense of pride in its accomplishments and rise to international respect, while being torn apart by the growing disparities between the economies of the different regions and the widening rift between the wealthy elite and the common man. ("The Era of Good Feelings (1816-1828)" The Young Readers Companion to American History)

This period is better described as a progressive era. Despite of the growing rifts in the ideologies of America's politicians, much was achieved during the twelve years that comprise the Era of Good Feelings. This progress, however, upheld the facade of national and political unity. The government of this time did manage to enact new public works acts, gain new territories, the partially de-fortify the American-Canadian Border, and achieve the temporary settlement of the slavery issue. (The Penguin History of the United States)

The period of 1816-1826 was rife with domestic and international advances. While America expanded its borders to the south and west, it reinforced its presence in the international community. It also rechartered the Bank of the United States and took steps to settle the issue of slavery. In 1818 America and England entered into an agreement which would establish a new precedent, that of a lightly fortified border. The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1818, drafted by Charles Bagot of America and Richard Rush, representative of, "His Majesty's Government of Britain," established that only a limited number of military vessels from either nation be stationed on the Great Lakes ("Rush-Bagot Agreement April 28,1818"). At this point in history it was very rare for two nations to share an unfortified border, this treaty was to set a new tone for Anglo-American relations and establish a precedent for the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Treaty stated that:

The naval force to be maintained upon the American lakes, by his majesty and the government of the United States, shall henceforth be confined to the following vessels on each side; that is: On lake Ontario, to one vessel not exceeding one hundred tons burden, and armed with tie eighteen pound cannon. On the upper lakes, to two vessels, not exceeding like burden each, and armed with like force. On the waters of lake Champlain, to one vessel not exceeding like burden, and armed with like force. All other armed vessels on these lakes shall be forthwith dismantled, and no other vessels of war shall be there built or armed. If either party should hereafter be desirous of annulling this stipulation, and should give notice to that effect to the other party it shall cease to be binding after the expiration of six months from the date of such notice. The naval force so to be limited shall be restricted to such services as will, in no respect, interfere with the proper duties of the armed vessels of the other party. ("Rush-Bagot Agreement")

America also gained possession of new territory in the south. Following the First Seminole War, it was recognized by the government that Florida should be made a part of the United States. After much work, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, in conjunction with the Spanish representative, Lord Don Luis de Onís, drafted what would be known as the Adams-Onís or Florida Treaty of 1819. This document drafted the cession of Spanish lands in North America and established a new Mexican-American border ("Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819"). "Article One," of the document established that:

There shall be a firm and inviolable peace and sincere friendship between the United States and their Citizens, and His Catholic Majesty, his Successors and Subjects, without exception of persons or places. ("Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819")
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The treaty continued:

Article II His Catholic Majesty cedes to the United States, in full property and sovereignty, all the territories which belong to him, situated to the Eastward of the Mississippi, known by the name of East and West Florida. The adjacent Islands dependent on said Provinces, all public lots and squares, vacant Lands, public Edifices, Fortifications, Barracks and other Buildings, which are not private property, Archives and Documents, which relate directly to the property and sovereignty of said Provinces, are included in this Article. The said Archives and Documents shall be left in possession of ...

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