After the War of 1812 there was a surge of nationalism, but this unity did not last very long. The so-called "Era of Good Feelings" was something of a misnomer, because although things looked fine on the surface, underneath, the currents of disunity were growing stronger and sectionalism was beginning to develop into a potent force, even though there were still some attempts to keep nationalism.

Americans were in a headstrong struggle with the ideas and proceedings of the Bank of the United States. The Northern states followed the principals of John Adams and wanted a strong federal government. This was reasoning for their support of the federal bank; so that the government had more power. The Southern states followed the principals of Andrew Jackson, and wanted a weaker federal government and more power for the states. They believed the Bank of the United States was unconstitutional and agreed...