While other factors, such as Monroe's personal popularity and the ongoing debate over slavery, undoubtedly played a role in the 1820 election, the Era of Good Feelings stands out as a major historical development that shaped the outcome. The lack of political competition and the prevailing sense of national unity contributed to Monroe's near-unanimous victory and the low voter turnout, highlighting the unique political climate of the time.
This period, roughly from 1815 to 1824, was characterized by a sense of national unity and political dominance by the Democratic-Republican Party.
The War of 1812 had recently ended, leaving the country with a sense of shared accomplishment and a diminished role for the opposing Federalist Party, which had largely disintegrated by 1820.
President James Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, enjoyed widespread popularity due to his handling of issues like the acquisition of Florida and the Missouri Compromise, which temporarily resolved the contentious issue of slavery's expansion into new territories.
Impact on the 1820 Election:
The Era of Good Feelings significantly influenced the 1820 election in several ways:
- Reduced competition: With the Federalist Party essentially gone, James Monroe faced no major challenger. He was effectively re-elected without campaigning, receiving 231 out of 232 electoral votes. The lone dissenting elector came from New Hampshire.
- Limited voter turnout: The lack of a competitive race led to decreased voter interest and participation. Only 26.9% of eligible voters cast ballots, the lowest turnout in any U.S. presidential election until 1824.
- Geographic divide: Despite the overall dominance of Monroe and the Democratic-Republicans, the electoral map reveals some interesting regional divides. Monroe won overwhelmingly in the South and the West, while receiving less support in the Northeast, particularly in New England, where some pockets of Federalist sentiment remained.