Question

What were the sources of americans' optimism as they emerged from the war of 1812 and how did the american government capitalize on this optimism?

Answer 1

Americans felt relatively optimistic after the War of 1812 in part because of their victory; public sentiment was more united and nationalistic. This led to greater political cooperation and, in one specific example, the chartering of the Second Bank. The Republicans had previously opposed this measure but after the war, nationalism or patriotic sentiment influenced their willingness to accept the need to solidify the whole country under a national bank.