Southeast region or Mid-Atlantic region
<span>Soon after gaining independence from Spain in 1821, Mexico opened its northern coastal region of California to foreign trade. American vessels from the east were soon engaged in lucrative commerce with the Californios, Californians of Spanish or Mexican descent. Offering such necessities as cooking utensils and boots, as well as luxuries such as brandy, the Americans reaped profits of 200 to 300 percent. In exchange, the Californios exported cowhides produced on their vast coastal ranches.</span>
<span>One of the leading journals promoting the philosophy of the Era of Good Feelings was Niles Weekly Register, founded in 1811. Hezekiah Niles believed strongly in the American national purpose and his publication, supported entirely by subscriptions and carrying no advertising, was highly influential at the time. </span>
