James Monroe

James Monroe (April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831) was an American Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. He was the last Founding Father to be president and the last president of the Virginia dynasty. Monroe belonged to the Democratic-Republican Party, and his time as president was during the Era of Good Feelings, when political fights in the United States lessened.

During the American Revolutionary War, Monroe was in the Continental Army. He later studied law with Thomas Jefferson and took part in government. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and the Virginia Ratifying Convention. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1790 and led the Democratic-Republican Party.

As President, Monroe is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a rule against European colonialism in the Americas. He also signed the Missouri Compromise, which tried to balance the needs of states where slavery was allowed and those where it was not. Monroe worked with Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to get Florida from Spain through the Adams–Onís Treaty. His time as president is remembered for uniting the nation during a period of growth and change.

Early life and education

James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County in the Colony of Virginia. His father was a craftsman who opposed unfair laws, and his mother came from a wealthy family.

Monroe went to Campbelltown Academy, then later the College of William & Mary. His mother passed away, and his father died soon after, so Monroe had to help care for his younger brothers. His uncle helped him continue his studies and introduced him to important leaders like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

During this time, tensions with Britain were rising. Monroe and other students were upset when the British governor took weapons from local guards. They marched and got the weapons returned, and sometimes practiced drills in response.

Revolutionary War service

In 1776, James Monroe left college to join the Continental Army. He became a lieutenant and served under Colonel George Weedon and Captain William Washington. Monroe fought in important battles, including the retreat across the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton. During this battle, he was hurt but recovered.

After healing, Monroe returned to fight and later became friends with the Marquis de Lafayette, a French soldier who helped the Americans. Monroe kept serving in many battles and became a major. Despite challenges in getting soldiers for his unit, he stayed committed to the war. Because of his service, Monroe is remembered as the last U.S. president who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Early political career

Monroe studied law until 1783. He entered politics in 1782 when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He then served in the Fourth Congress of the Confederation from 1783 to 1784. Monroe worked to help the United States control the Northwest Territory and protect rights on the Mississippi River. He helped write the Northwest Ordinance for the Northwest Territory north of the Ohio River.

Monroe married Elizabeth Kortright in 1786, and they had three children. After Congress, he worked as a lawyer in Virginia. He was elected again to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1787 and joined the Virginia Ratifying Convention to discuss the United States Constitution. He served as a United States Senator and helped lead the Democratic-Republican Party. Monroe also became minister (ambassador) to France, where he supported the French Revolution and helped protect American trade and people.

Governor of Virginia and diplomat (1799–1802, 1811)

James Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia in 1799. As governor, he worked to improve roads, schools, and training for the state's defense. He also supported building a new place for people who broke the law, instead of using harsh punishments.

Later, Monroe helped the United States buy a large area called the Louisiana Purchase from France. This made the country much bigger. He also tried to solve problems with Britain, but it was difficult.

After serving as governor, Monroe returned to Virginia. He later became active in politics again, but first he took time to focus on farming and new ways to grow crops.

Secretary of State and Secretary of War (1811–1817)

Madison administration

Main article: Presidency of James Madison

In 1810, Monroe became governor of Virginia again. Soon after, President Madison asked him to be Secretary of State. Monroe started in this job in April 1811. He tried to make treaties with Britain and France to keep American ships safe. France agreed to help, but Britain did not. Monroe and others thought the United States should go to war with Britain, which later happened in the War of 1812.

At first, the war was hard for the United States. When the Secretary of War left, Monroe took that job for a short time. He helped protect Washington, D.C., when British soldiers attacked. Monroe also helped General Andrew Jackson protect New Orleans. The war ended in 1814 with a treaty that made things like they were before the war. Many Americans felt happy, especially after hearing about a big American win.

Election of 1816

Main article: 1816 United States presidential election

Monroe decided to run for president in 1816. People liked him because of his work during the war, so he was a good candidate to be the next president after Madison. Monroe won the race easily because not many people liked the other party after the war.

Monroe had served in the Continental Army and the Continental Congress, so he was the last president who was a Founding Father.

Presidency (1817–1825)

James Monroe became the fifth president of the United States in 1817. His time as president is called the "Era of Good Feelings" because there was peace and happiness in the country. Monroe worked to bring people together, often ignoring old political differences.

Monroe picked good leaders to help him, including John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State. He worked on better relationships with other countries, like Britain and Russia, by signing treaties. One big success was helping the United States grow by getting Florida from Spain through the Adams–Onís Treaty. Monroe also supported new countries in South America that were fighting for their freedom.

During Monroe's time as president, there was a debate about slavery in new states. This led to the Missouri Compromise, which made a temporary agreement. Monroe also wanted to improve the country’s roads and canals but thought the government should not build them directly.

Monroe faced an economic problem called the Panic of 1819, which caused trouble for businesses and banks. He could not fix it because banks were controlled by the states. Monroe also made policies about Native American tribes, hoping to help them move to lands west of the Rocky Mountains. In 1820, Monroe was re-elected president without any opposition.

Post-presidency (1825–1831)

When James Monroe stopped being president in 1825, he lived at Monroe Hill, which is now part of the University of Virginia. For the next five years, he stayed at his home called Oak Hill in Aldie, Virginia. He liked reading and had a big library with many books.

Monroe planned to write a book about governments but changed his mind after being advised to write about his own life instead. Sadly, he died before finishing it. Even after leaving office, Monroe had money troubles and sold his plantation.

He kept working with the University of Virginia and helped with student exams. Though his health was not good, he served as a delegate for Virginia's constitutional convention.

Monroe died on July 4, 1831, the same day the United States declared its independence. He was first buried in New York City but was later moved to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

Philosophy and views

James Monroe had interesting ideas and connections. He joined a group called the Freemason at age 17 and stayed part of it for many years.

We don't know much about Monroe's thoughts on religion because he didn't write about it much. He grew up in a family that attended the Church of England and later went to Episcopal churches.

Monroe owned slaves and took some with him when he became president. He supported freeing slaves but thought it needed to be done carefully. He helped start a group that sent freed slaves to a new place called Liberia in Africa. The capital of Liberia is named Monrovia after him.

Legacy

Historical reputation

Historians think Monroe was a good president. During his time, the United States focused more on its own problems instead of European issues. Monroe helped settle border disagreements with Britain and added Florida to the United States. He also worked to keep the country united by supporting the Missouri Compromise.

Memorials

See also: List of memorials to James Monroe

The capital city of Liberia, Monrovia, is named after Monroe. It is the only national capital besides Washington, D.C. named for a U.S. president. Many places in the United States are also named after him, including seventeen counties and several towns and townships. Monroe appeared on some U.S. money and stamps, like a 1954 postage stamp.

Monroe was known for wearing old-fashioned clothes, like a powdered wig and a tricorne hat, earning him the nickname "The Last Cocked Hat." He was also the last president who was never photographed.

Monroe helped important events in history, such as when George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776. These moments were painted by artists like Emanuel Leutze and John Trumbull.