James Monroe

The Era of the Good Feeling, a term first coined by a Boston newspaper during Monroe's fifteen-week tour of the northern states, described a time of prosperity and relative safety in early nineteenth century America that stretched from roughly 1816 to 1820. The divisive issue of Missouri statehood would decisively end the era.

Monroe recognized that he had agreed to spend more money than he had been authorized to spend, but he also recognized that the opportunity to double the size of his country was unique and would not come along again if he passed it up. In the end, Jefferson and the U.S. government were ecstatic about the purchase.

Monroe was the first "professional" politician. Previous presidents had tended to split their time between private practices, usually law, and public service. From Monroe's first job in the Virginia House he spent very little time in the private sector, almost always hopping from one government job right into a new one.