James Monroe

James Monroe was born in 1758 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He fought in the Revolutionary War, was wounded at the Battle of Trenton, and went on to serve as a senator, governor of Virginia, and diplomat in France and Britain.

Monroe served as both Secretary of State and Secretary of War under Madison before winning the presidency in 1816. His presidency is known as the "Era of Good Feelings" due to the collapse of the Federalist Party and a period of relative political unity.

His most lasting achievement was the Monroe Doctrine (1823), which declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization and became a cornerstone of American foreign policy for nearly two centuries. He also oversaw the Missouri Compromise and the acquisition of Florida from Spain.

“The American continents are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.”

“National honor is the national property of the highest value.”