At the end of the War of 1812, the mood of victory swept the nation. Exultation and American pride replaced the bitter political divisions between the Federalists and the Republicans. Nationalism erased the geographical divisions between the North and South and between the East Coast cities and the settlers on the Western frontier. The federal government took on the role of driving national development and national prosperity. From roads and canals, to seminaries of higher learning, to seacoast defense and navy vessels, to national banks, the role of the federal government was changing. It was the beginning of the "era of good feelings". Shown above is a painting by John Archibald Woodside from 1814, that captured the renewal of the revolutionary spirit that was returning to America at the time.
In 1815, James Madison closed out his Annual Address with an introduction to this new era. In 1815, America was given a special opportunity out of the "goodness of a superintending Providence", and we were thankful for it. While other countries were struggling with the pains of war and other adversities, the United States had a "tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honorable peace". The great American experiment had been tested by both times of war and times of peace and had been proven successful on the world stage. Through the prosperity of the people, and the power of our Military, the United States had earned the right to be confident in itself and in it's promise of a peaceful nation. According to Madison, the greatest strength of our country in 1815, was in it's rapid growth of commerce and industry. The country was flourishing, and the population was rapidly increasing "on a territory as productive as it is extensive". This growth of industry and commerce was increasing the wealth of the country allowing for the gradual repayment of debt, increase in the nation's defense systems, and a progressive undertaking to provide for the general welfare of it's citizens. James Madison was welcoming the "era of good feelings" in, and he summed it up with three points:
- America would reach out to other nations with a sense of good will and justice, and expect the same in return.
- America would cherish and protect all institutions with guarantee and protect civil and religious freedoms.
- America would build and protect a free and fair marketplace while protecting the resources of this "highly favored and happy country".
Here are the full closing remarks from President James Madison's 1815 State of the Union address:
"In closing this communication I ought not to repress a sensibility, in which you will unite, to the happy lot of our country and to the goodness of a superintending Providence, to which we are indebted for it. Whilst other portions of mankind are laboring under the distresses of war or struggling with adversity in other forms, the United States are in the tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honorable peace. In reviewing the scenes through which it has been attained we can rejoice in the proofs given that our political institutions, founded in human rights and framed for their preservation, are equal to the severest trials of war, as well adapted to the ordinary periods of repose.http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29457
As fruits of this experience and of the reputation acquired by the American arms on the land and on the water, the nation finds itself possessed of a growing respect abroad and of a just confidence in itself, which are among the best pledges for its peaceful career. Under other aspects of our country the strongest features of its flourishing condition are seen in a population rapidly increasing on a territory as productive as it is extensive; in a general industry and fertile ingenuity which find their ample rewards, and in an affluent revenue which admits a reduction of the public burdens without withdrawing the means of sustaining the public credit, of gradually discharging the public debt, of providing for the necessary defensive and precautionary establishments, and of patronizing in every authorized mode undertakings conducive to the aggregate wealth and individual comfort of our citizens.
It remains for the guardians of the public welfare to persevere in that justice and good will toward other nations which invite a return of these sentiments toward the United States; to cherish institutions which guarantee their safety and their liberties, civil and religious; and to combine with a liberal system of foreign commerce an improvement of the national advantages and a protection and extension of the independent resources of our highly favored and happy country.
In all measures having such objects my faithful cooperation will be afforded."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Era_of_Good_Feelings
http://npg.si.edu/exhibit/1812/pop-ups/05-06.html
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