uring the Era of Good Feelings under the presidency of James Monroe, foreign conflict decreased but internal disputes began to rise due to what, or loyalty to one's state or section rather than the nation as a whole.
During the Era of Good Feelings, which lasted approximately from 1815 to 1825, foreign conflict did decrease for the United States. However, internal disputes began to rise due to sectionalism, which refers to loyalty or support given to one's own state or specific region rather than to the nation as a whole.
There were several factors that contributed to the rise of sectionalism during this period. One of the major causes was the issue of slavery, which increasingly divided the nation along regional lines. The North was gradually becoming more industrialized and less dependent on agriculture, leading to the rise of abolitionist movements and opposition to slavery. On the other hand, slavery remained deeply entrenched in the Southern economy, and several Southern leaders defended its continuation.
The issue of tariffs and economic policies also led to sectional tensions. The Northern states, with their growing industrial base, favored protective tariffs that would shield their industries from foreign competition. However, these tariffs were detrimental to Southern agricultural interests, as they made imported goods more expensive. This created economic tensions between the North and the South.
Furthermore, infrastructure development, such as the construction of canals and roads, also became a source of sectional disputes. The North supported federal funding for internal improvements, as it would benefit their growing commercial and industrial sectors. However, the South opposed these federal initiatives since they believed that the federal government's interference would primarily benefit the North at the expense of the agricultural South.
These sectional tensions eroded the sense of national unity, as individuals increasingly identified with their respective regions and states rather than with the country as a whole. This era witnessed the beginnings of political parties divided along sectional lines, such as the emerging Democratic and Whig parties. Ultimately, the rising sectional conflicts during the Era of Good Feelings foreshadowed the more intense disputes that would ultimately lead to the American Civil War in the following decades.