James Monroe, born April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, 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 serve as president and the last president of the Virginia dynasty.
Monroe's presidency coincided with the Era of Good Feelings, a period marked by political unity and national expansion. He is perhaps best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas.
Origins & Early Formation
James Monroe was born to Andrew Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones in a wooded area of Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father was a craftsman and a patriot involved in protests against the Stamp Act. Monroe's paternal great-great-grandfather emigrated from Scotland in the mid-17th century. Monroe attended Campbelltown Academy and later the College of William & Mary, where he formed a lifelong friendship with John Marshall.
First Steps into Public Life
Monroe served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, participating in the Battle of Trenton where he was severely wounded. After the war, he studied law under Thomas Jefferson and served as a delegate to the Continental Congress. Monroe was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and later served as a U.S. Senator. He was appointed as Minister to France and played a key role in the Louisiana Purchase negotiations.
Rise & Turning Points
Monroe's presidency saw the collapse of the Federalist Party and his re-election in 1820 was virtually unopposed. He signed the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and banned slavery north of the 36°30′ parallel. The Adams–Onís Treaty with Spain secured Florida for the United States. In 1823, Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine, opposing European intervention in the Americas.
Final Years, Death & Legacy
After retiring in 1825, Monroe faced financial difficulties and died on July 4, 1831, in New York City. He shared the distinction with John Adams and Thomas Jefferson of dying on the anniversary of U.S. independence. Historians generally rank Monroe as an above-average president, noting his contributions to American foreign policy and national expansion.
