The Era of Good Feelings by George Dangerfield
- 1. The Era of Good Feelings, as articulated by historian George Dangerfield in his seminal work, refers to a period in American history during the early 19th century, specifically from 1815 to 1825, characterized by a sense of national purpose and a desire for unity among the American people following the War of 1812. Dangerfield's analysis highlights that this epoch was marked by the decline of the Federalist Party and the dominance of the Democratic-Republican Party under President James Monroe, which fostered a prevailing sentiment of goodwill among a populace eager to move past political factionalism and division. However, Dangerfield suggests that beneath the surface tranquility lay significant regional tensions and economic discrepancies, particularly as issues like slavery, states' rights, and internal improvements began to challenge the veneer of harmony. The period was not without its challenges; while it is often remembered for its absence of significant partisan conflict, Dangerfield points out that the so-called 'good feelings' were frequently disrupted by political strife, economic crises, and the nation’s expanding cultural and sectional divisions. This complexity allows us to appreciate how the Era of Good Feelings was a time of both growth and conflict, setting the stage for future confrontations that would ultimately shape the trajectory of the United States.
What was the Era of Good Feelings primarily characterized by?
A) Economic decline and recession
B) Civil war and division
C) Intense political rivalry and conflict
D) A period of political unity and national purpose
- 2. Which president is most associated with the Era of Good Feelings?
A) John Quincy Adams
B) James Monroe
C) Thomas Jefferson
D) Andrew Jackson
- 3. What significant event occurred during the Era of Good Feelings in 1819?
A) The Louisiana Purchase
B) The Panic of 1819
C) The War of 1812
D) The Missouri Compromise
- 4. Which political party was dominant during the Era of Good Feelings?
A) Democratic-Republican Party
B) Whig Party
C) Democratic Party
D) Federalist Party
- 5. Which Supreme Court case affirmed federal supremacy over state laws during this era?
A) Gibbons v. Ogden
B) Dred Scott v. Sandford
C) Marbury v. Madison
D) McCulloch v. Maryland
- 6. The Term 'The American System' was introduced by which politician?
A) James Madison
B) Daniel Webster
C) John C. Calhoun
D) Henry Clay
- 7. Who was the author of 'The Era of Good Feelings'?
A) David McCullough
B) Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
C) George Dangerfield
D) Alexis de Tocqueville
- 8. What role did nationalism play during the Era of Good Feelings?
A) It fostered unity and political cooperation
B) It led to foreign conflicts
C) It caused deep regional divides
D) It diminished interest in politics
- 9. Which two territories were involved in the Missouri Compromise?
A) Texas and New Mexico
B) Missouri and Maine
C) Florida and Georgia
D) Kansas and Nebraska
- 10. What genre of literature gained popularity during this period?
A) Postmodernism
B) Modernism
C) Romanticism
D) Realism
- 11. What major infrastructure project was partly inspired by this era?
A) The Panama Canal
B) The Interstate Highway System
C) The Erie Canal
D) The Transcontinental Railroad
- 12. Who was a key political rival of Monroe during the Era of Good Feelings?
A) Henry Clay
B) Andrew Jackson
C) Daniel Webster
D) John Quincy Adams
- 13. What event is considered the end of the Era of Good Feelings?
A) The Panic of 1819
B) The election of 1824
C) The Missouri Compromise
D) The War of 1812
- 14. What was the main purpose of the American System?
A) To expand military power
B) To promote economic growth and infrastructure
C) To strengthen foreign alliances
D) To increase immigration
- 15. What did George Dangerfield emphasize in his work?
A) The contradictions of the Era of Good Feelings
B) The success of federal policies
C) The prosperity of all social classes
D) The complete harmony of the era
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