Key Facts
- Term
- 1817--1825
- Party
- Democratic-Republican
- Vice President
- Daniel D. Tompkins
- First Lady
- Elizabeth Monroe
- Home State
- Virginia
- Born
- 1758
- Died
- 1831
Biography
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.
Key Events & Accomplishments
- Issued the Monroe Doctrine (1823), warning European powers against colonization in the Americas
- Oversaw the Missouri Compromise (1820), temporarily settling the slavery expansion debate
- Acquired Florida from Spain via the Adams-Onis Treaty (1819)
- Signed the Rush-Bagot Treaty, demilitarizing the Great Lakes
- Presided over the admission of five new states
Notable Quotes
“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.”
Did You Know?
- Monroe received all but one electoral vote in 1820 — the lone dissenter allegedly wanted Washington to remain the only unanimous president.
- He was the last president who was a Founding Father and the last to have fought in the Revolutionary War.
- Like Adams and Jefferson, Monroe died on July 4th (1831).