Dbq#2 Nationalism V. Sectionalism

DBQ # 2 Nationalism v. Sectionalism “Era of Good Feelings” The years following the War of 1812 became known as the “era of good feelings”. During this time you see the expansion of nationalism within the United States. It started mainly in the 1816 shortly before Monroe took office, and lasted until the end of his Presidency in the year of 1824. Before the “era of good feelings” there were certain events taking place that will lead up to this era. The first of these is the acquired land of the Louisiana Purchase from the French. Through this the United States was able to double its land. The gained independence from this purchase was able to keep other countries father away from the US’s boundaries and was able to separate the United States even more. Another event that led up to the Era of Good Feelings was the Embargo Act of 1807. The Embargo Act cut off trade with Britain to try to prove that the U.S. could be interdependent amongst them. Although this proving to be a huge mistake for the U.S. it gave many of the citizens the spirit of nationalism. One of the greatest events however, that led up to the era was the War of 1812. The Americans were upset with the British amidst their interception of American ships and declared war on the British. It was after this war ended that the true spirit of nationalism was expressed in the nation. This was the second time that the United States had faced Britain and had not loss. Nationalism began to take off which sparked the innovations of new things within the country. At the start of the Era of Good Feelings you see that nationalism begins to spread among the country. However, there was a contrasting viewpoint that was present as well, sectionalism. Nationalism was just the start of the era, but it was from its viewpoints and beliefs that new developments were processed. Each of these new developments became closer and closer comparable with sectionalism. It was sectionalism however, that had the