The "Era of Good Feelings" refers to a period in United States history from approximately 1815 to 1825 that was characterized by a sense of national unity, political harmony, and a desire to move past the divisions and turmoil of previous decades. This era began shortly after the War of 1812 and reached its peak during the presidency of James Monroe (1817–1825). While the term "Era of Good Feelings" suggests a time of peace and national consensus, it was also a period marked by underlying tensions over issues such as economic policy, sectionalism, and the institution of slavery. Nevertheless, the era represents a unique chapter in American history where patriotism and a shared vision of progress defined the national outlook.

The "Era of Good Feelings" began in the aftermath of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The war, often referred to as the "Second War of Independence," ended with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and renewed a sense of national pride and unity among Americans. Although the war had disrupted the economy and caused significant destruction, its end led to a surge of patriotism, particularly following the successful defense of New Orleans by General Andrew Jackson in early 1815. The war demonstrated America's resilience and helped solidify its independence from foreign influence. Following the war, the country entered a period of economic recovery and territorial expansion, which bolstered confidence and optimism. The Hartford Convention of 1814-1815, where New England Federalists expressed opposition to the war, led to the downfall of the Federalist Party, leaving the Democratic-Republican Party as the dominant political force. With the demise of the Federalists, partisan conflict diminished, creating an environment of relative political harmony that set the stage for the "Era of Good Feelings."

The presidency of James Monroe is often associated with the "Era of Good Feelings" due to his efforts to promote national unity and reduce regional and political divisions. Monroe, a former Secretary of State and Minister to France, was a popular figure with experience in both foreign and domestic affairs. His election in 1816 reflected the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party and the desire for stability and continuity in governance. Monroe actively sought to foster a sense of unity across the nation. He embarked on several goodwill tours throughout the country, visiting states in the Northeast, South, and West to strengthen ties with citizens and demonstrate his commitment to all regions of the Union. These tours were widely praised and helped cultivate a sense of national identity and unity, bolstering Monroe's image as a president who represented the entire nation. In 1820, Monroe was re-elected almost unanimously, further reflecting the popularity of his administration and the sense of political harmony that defined his presidency.

Economic growth was a key feature of the "Era of Good Feelings," as the United States sought to develop an independent and self-sustaining economy. During this period, a program known as the American System was promoted by influential leaders like Henry Clay. The American System aimed to strengthen the nation’s economy by focusing on three primary pillars: a protective tariff, a national bank, and federal investment in internal improvements. Protective Tariff: The Tariff of 1816 was enacted to protect American industries from foreign competition, particularly from British goods that flooded American markets after the War of 1812. This tariff aimed to foster domestic manufacturing, reduce dependence on European imports, and support economic growth within the country. In 1816, the Second Bank of the United States was established to stabilize the national currency, promote credit, and support economic development. The bank played a crucial role in regulating the money supply and providing loans for businesses and infrastructure projects. Investments in infrastructure, such as roads, canals, and bridges, were intended to improve transportation, facilitate trade, and encourage westward expansion. These improvements were seen as essential for connecting different regions of the country and fostering economic integration. The American System was widely supported, particularly in the industrializing Northern states. However, it also faced opposition, particularly from Southern and Western states, which were wary of federal involvement in the economy. Nonetheless, the economic expansion and development during this period contributed to the optimism and progress that defined the era.

The "Era of Good Feelings" was also marked by significant territorial expansion and a growing sense of Manifest Destiny—the belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. During Monroe’s presidency, the United States acquired Florida from Spain in 1819 through the Adams-Onís Treaty, which also established a defined western boundary for U.S. territory. This acquisition strengthened U.S. control over its southern borders and eliminated a European presence from the Southeast. Monroe’s administration also focused on westward expansion, encouraging settlers to move into new territories in the West. This period saw an influx of pioneers, spurred by the promise of fertile land and economic opportunity. The desire for land and resources fueled settlement and development across the Mississippi River, further reinforcing the spirit of nationalism and the idea of America’s "manifest destiny" to stretch across the continent.

Despite the general sense of unity, the "Era of Good Feelings" was not without underlying tensions, particularly over the issue of slavery. As the nation expanded westward, debates arose over whether new states would be admitted as free or slave states. These tensions came to a head in 1820 with the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise, brokered by Henry Clay, allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, preserving the balance between free and slave states in the Senate. Additionally, it established the 36°30′ line across the Louisiana Territory, prohibiting slavery north of this line in future territories. Although the Missouri Compromise temporarily resolved the issue, it highlighted the deepening sectional divide between the North and the South and foreshadowed the conflict that would eventually lead to the Civil War. While the Missouri Compromise was a temporary solution, it revealed that the unity of the "Era of Good Feelings" was fragile and that the issue of slavery posed a significant threat to the nation's future stability.

The economic prosperity of the "Era of Good Feelings" was disrupted by the Panic of 1819, the first major financial crisis in the United States. The panic was triggered by a collapse in land prices, a tightening of credit by the Second Bank of the United States, and a drop in global demand for American goods. Many people, particularly farmers and land speculators in the West, faced foreclosure and bankruptcy. The Panic of 1819 exposed weaknesses in the national economy and led to resentment toward the national bank and federal economic policies. This economic downturn created regional tensions, particularly in the West and South, where people felt that the national bank favored wealthy elites in the East. Although the economy eventually recovered, the panic dampened the spirit of unity and revealed divisions within the nation.