- National Unity: The War of 1812 had fostered a sense of national identity and unity among Americans, as they rallied together to defend their country against a common enemy.
- Economic Growth: The aftermath of the war brought economic prosperity and expansion. Improved transportation systems and the expansion of the cotton industry in the South fueled economic growth and development.
- Political Stability: The Democratic-Republican Party, led by President James Monroe, dominated the political landscape during this period. There was a brief era of one-party dominance, as the Federalist Party declined in influence.
- Infrastructure Development: The federal government undertook several infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads and canals, to connect different regions of the country and improve transportation.
- Manifest Destiny: The belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that the United States was destined to expand westward and acquire new territories, became more prominent during this period. This belief fueled westward expansion and territorial acquisitions.
- Monroe Doctrine: In 1823, President Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, declaring the Americas as a sphere of influence for the United States. The Monroe Doctrine aimed to deter European intervention in the Western Hemisphere and solidified American dominance in the region.
- National Expansion: The United States acquired significant territories during the Era of Good Feelings, including Florida (1819) and the vast western lands of the Louisiana Purchase (1803).
- Supreme Court Decisions: The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, made a series of important decisions that strengthened federal power and limited state authority. These decisions, such as McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), established the principle of federal supremacy.