Monroe also stated that the U.S. would stay out of European affairs. These events evidenced a new aspect for America as an emerging nation. .
Politics also had a dramatic effect in the unification of America. The federalists lost most of their support because they had discussed succeeding from the union at the Hartford Convention. Even New Englanders, formally staunch Federalists were voting for Democratic Republicans. The main point of contention between the two political groups was whether to go to war or not. Seventy one percent of Congress voted in Favor. In the election of 1812 Republicans carried 12 out of 19 states and in the election of 1820 there was no Federalist candidate. The Democratic Republican candidate Monroe carried all but 4 of the electoral votes. This was called one party politics. The war of 1812 made Democratic Republicans the symbol for America. This combined with the events that happened at the Hartford Convention, led to the unification of the United States through everyone wanting to vote for the Democratic Republicans. Although one party politics did a great deal in helping unify the nation, there were other factors that affected this such as the American system.
The national bank, internal improvement in transportation and a protective tariff were the three components of the American System. In President Madison's annual address to congress he spoke of the American system. This speech stated that Americans needed to be able to travel, communicate and transport goods cheaply. A national bank and national currency facilitated interstate commerce by eliminating the need to exchange their money in each state they visited. Roads would link states together encouraging easier travel. A protective tariff would protect America's industries from excessive competition from foreign made goods. These concepts combined provided a sense of unity and nationalism to the American people.