Era Of Good Feelings Dbq

America underwent a period of self-reflection following the War of 1812. The states learned that they were able to support their needs domestically by production and manufacturing, but also learned of their shortcomings in financial management and transportation. The Era of Good Feelings led to an expansion of wealth and adventurism, but in an economy which was not capable of bearing its weight, resulting in a frenzy in 1819, but a rebirth of nationalism for the growing country. Trade was greatly inhibited during the War of 1812, and Americans learned to rely on their own production for sustenance. Expansions in domestic markets, such as textiles, led to an increase in wealth and capital for Americans (Brinkley 219). To secure the domestic
production of goods, Congress passed a protective tariff on competitive imports in an effort to avoid British imports from undercutting the sale of domestic goods (Brinkley 220). To help transport both raw goods and finished products, the federal government as well as state governments appropriated funds for a national road system. The new increases in wealth and ease of transportation gave way to greater westward settlement (Brinkley 222). As the American population boomed, higher concentrations in population became less desirable, and many citizens decided to move westward in pursuit of new markets and fertile lands beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This led to entirely new markets, such as the far west fur trade (Brinkley 223). This period of time is referred to as the Era of Good Feelings, where the economy grew as white settlement expanded, and trade in the West led to higher profits and even the formation of new states. This Era of Good Feelings had unintended consequences. The demand for westward land spiked, causing a sharp increase in prices. To pay those prices, credit was doled out to those who were less than worthy of attaining it. By 1819, the Bank of the United States was reformed and began to crack down on its loan offerings, forcing many to repay their debts and in some cases, foreclosing on unpaid duties by seizing land and property (Brinkley 226). As the federal bank began to reign in the flow of money, many state banks failed, causing a panic by those who invested or utilized the state banks. The crashing of smaller banks and tight grip of the national banks led to a six-year depression, and caused political unrest about the presence of a federal bank (Brinkley 226). Aside from the depression, the country continued to grow. As new states joined, the question of slave- versus non-slave states remained on the forefront. In an effort to satisfy both parties, cooperation was necessary by both proponents. This led to such dealings as the Missouri Compromise, where Missouri and Maine were both added in as new states, but Maine would be free and Missouri would be a slave state (Brinkley 227). This concept of pairing became the norm within the country, where even politics became defined by a two-party system by 1828 (Brinkley 231). The political system gave people a reason to support candidates of like-mindedness, and promoted the nationalistic pride in government representation. The booming American economy following the War of 1812 led to westward expansion and growth of the country. This expansion fueled the power of the federal government, and in turn changed the political landscape. Citizens were once again involved in the support of their national causes, and had more vested interests in the dealings of their local, state, and federal representations.

Andrew Jackson symbolized, to many, the “common man” who, through diligence and hard work, arrived at a higher position in life. Although his presidency did little to settle wealth inequality, his appeal to many was that of a non-elitist who was representative of the people as a whole. Jackson was a politician in its truest sense, despite his appeal as a common man.
It can be seen by his actions against John C. Calhoun’s nullification theory. The theory gave states the authority to nullify any federal ruling they found unjust. But Jackson did not pander to the theory, and when South Carolina attempted to nullify the tariffs of abominations in 1832, Jackson compared their actions to treason, and demanded federal military intervention to secure the rulings of the federal government (Brinkley 243). Further showing his political side, Jackson wanted all Native Americans to be forced west of the Mississippi River, a sentiment carrying over from his time as a military leader against the tribes (Brinkley 244). Jackson forced the Indians to move west along what later became known as the Trail of Tears, and perpetuated the notion that he was doing them a “favor” by providing them land in the west and keeping them separate from the white race (Brinkley 245). Jackson helped maintain his strength of power, and those beneath him, with the Spoils System. Under this system, Jackson argued that elected officials could appoint subordinates, rather than have them be elected (Brinkley 240). This system further lamented Jackson’s ability to control his government, and further the goals of the like-minded individuals beneath
him. Jackson was quick to use federal power to control states and subdue Indian tribes, but fought the centralized institution of banking. He refused to believe in the soft-money concept of issuing currency without precious metals to back its value (Brinkley 248). Therefore, he despised the Bank of the United States and its money-creating habits. He attempted to weaken the federal bank by pulling all government deposits, in hope of forcing the bank to fold (Brinkley 249). Unable to sink the bank, he allowed its charter to expire in 1836, which proved to be a costly mistake. Although the bank wasn’t perfect, it provided national stability in the national sphere, which was dearly missed following 1836. Prior to his nomination of president, the election of 1828 that brought Jackson to the helm marked an important time in American history. It is widely considered the first true election where voting was available to nearly all citizens (Brinkley 236). It represented a time of state reform nationwide, where policies on voting were overhauled and rights were extended to more people. These changes persisted through his presidency, and led to the formation of a two-party system by the mid-1830s (Brinkley 250). The two-party system led to an increase in political activism, and offered citizens a voting stance on whom they wished to represent them in positions of authority. Andrew Jackson’s period as president was glorified as a time when the common man was in power. However, Jackson’s policies and practices proved to be more bureaucratic than many had wished for. He forcefully used the strength of the federal government to ensure his actions were carried out, however his time in power helped shape the future of the American political system in voting and party affiliation.