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5th President · Democratic-Republican
James Monroe
James Monroe
Served: March 4, 1817 — March 4, 1825
- Lived
- April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831
- Home State
- Virginia
- Party
- Democratic-Republican
- Vice President
- Daniel D. Tompkins
James Monroe was the last of the Revolutionary generation to serve as President, and his two terms were marked by the 'Era of Good Feelings' of diminished party conflict. He announced the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, declaring the Western Hemisphere closed to further European colonization, and acquired Florida from Spain through the Adams–Onís Treaty. He also signed the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and drew the contested 36°30′ line. His legacy blends continental expansion with the sectional compromise that postponed, but could not prevent, civil war. Continental Army officer wounded at Trenton, U.S. Senator, Minister to France (helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase), Governor of Virginia, and Madison's Secretary of State and Secretary of War.
College of William & Mary (attended; left to fight in the Revolution).
Announced the Monroe Doctrine (1823), declaring the Western Hemisphere closed to further European colonization. Acquired Florida from Spain through the Adams–Onís Treaty (1819). Recognized the new republics of Latin America. Signed the Missouri Compromise (1820) and the Tariff of 1824.
Signed the Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a slave state and drew the 36°30′ line — a temporary containment that eventually collapsed. Presided over the Panic of 1819.
The Monroe Doctrine was rhetoric before it was policy; the U.S. Navy could not enforce it. But it became the frame within which the country came to see the Hemisphere.