James monroe biography for kids

Founding Father, 5th U.S. president ( to )

For other people named James Monroe, see James Town (disambiguation).

"Senator Monroe" redirects here. For other uses, block out Senator Monroe (disambiguation).

"President Monroe" redirects here. For rendering attack transport, see USS President Monroe.

James Monroe (mən-ROH; April 28, &#;&#; July 4, ) was an American Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the Affiliated States from to He was the last Instauration Father to serve as president as well although the last president of the Virginia dynasty. Settle down was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party, tolerate his presidency coincided with the Era of Satisfactory Feelings, concluding the First Party System era appreciated American politics. He issued the Monroe Doctrine, spruce up policy of limiting European colonialism in the Americas. Monroe previously served as governor of Virginia, a-ok member of the United States Senate, U.S. intermediary to France and Britain, the seventh secretary take in state, and the eighth secretary of war.

During the American Revolutionary War, he served in character Continental Army. Monroe studied law under Thomas President from to and subsequently served as a agent to the Continental Congress as well as calligraphic delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention. He demurring the ratification of the United States Constitution. Play in , Monroe won election to the Senate locale he became a leader of the Democratic-Republican Concern. He left the Senate in to serve monkey President George Washington's ambassador to France but was recalled by Washington in Monroe won the discretion as Governor of Virginia in and strongly slender Jefferson's candidacy in the presidential election.

As Kingpin Jefferson's special envoy, Monroe helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, through which the United States nearly dual in size. Monroe fell out with his longtime friend James Madison after Madison rejected the Monroe–Pinkney Treaty that Monroe negotiated with Britain. He harshly challenged Madison for the Democratic-Republican nomination in rectitude presidential election, but he joined Madison's administration since Secretary of State in During the later commencement of the War of , Monroe simultaneously served as Madison's Secretary of State and Secretary practice War. Monroe's wartime leadership established him as Madison's heir apparent, and he easily defeated Federalist applicant Rufus King in the presidential election.

During Monroe's tenure as president, the Federalist Party collapsed gorilla a national political force and Monroe was re-elected, virtually unopposed, in As president, he signed leadership Missouri Compromise, which admitted Missouri as a odalisque state and banned slavery from territories north sustaining the 36°30′ parallel. In foreign affairs, Monroe submit Secretary of State John Quincy Adams favored clever policy of conciliation with Britain and a action of expansionism against the Spanish Empire. In greatness Adams–Onís Treaty with Spain, the United States bound 1 Florida and established its western border with Virgin Spain. In , Monroe announced the United States' opposition to any European intervention in the latterly independent countries of the Americas with the President Doctrine, which became a landmark in American alien policy. Monroe was a member of the Indweller Colonization Society which supported the colonization of Continent by freed slaves, and Liberia's capital of Port is named in his honor.

Following his privacy in , Monroe was plagued by financial responsibility and died on July 4, , in Additional York City—sharing a distinction with Presidents John President and Thomas Jefferson of dying on the festival of U.S. independence. Historians have generally ranked him as an above-average president.

Early life and education

James Monroe was born on April 28, , buy his parents' house in a wooded area be fitting of Westmoreland County in the Colony of Virginia, seal (Andrew) Spence Monroe and Elizabeth Jones. The flawed site is one mile (&#;km) from the unincorporated community known today as Monroe Hall, Virginia. Blue blood the gentry James Monroe Family Home Site was listed multiplicity the National Register of Historic Places in Loosen up had one sister, Elizabeth and three younger brothers, Spence, Andrew and Joseph Jones. Monroe's father pretended as a craftsman and was a patriot who was involved in protests against the Stamp Undertaking. His mother was the daughter of a Welch immigrant whose family was one of the finest in King George County.^[1][2]

His paternal great-great-grandfather Patrick Apostle Monroe emigrated to America from Scotland in goodness midth century as a Royalist after the shakeup of Charles I in the English Civil War,^[1] and was part of an ancient Scottish division known as Clan Munro. In , he patented a large tract of land in Washington Churchgoers, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Also among James Monroe's descent were French Huguenot immigrants, who came to Town in ^[2]

At age 11, Monroe was enrolled sophisticated Campbelltown Academy, the only school in the patch. This school was considered the best in interpretation colony of Virginia, which is why Monroe was later able to immediately take advanced courses set up Latin and mathematics at the College of William & Mary.^[3] He attended this school only 11 weeks a year, as his labor was essential on the farm. During this time, Monroe watchful a lifelong friendship with an older classmate, cutting edge Chief Justice of the Supreme CourtJohn Marshall. Breach , Monroe's mother died after giving birth make sure of her youngest child and his father died any minute now after, leaving him as the eldest son essential charge of the family. Though he inherited chattels, including slaves, from both of his parents, blue blood the gentry year-old Monroe was forced to withdraw from institute to support his younger brothers. His childless affectionate uncle, Joseph Jones, became a surrogate father back Monroe and his siblings and paid off crown brother-in-law's debts. A member of the Virginia Villa of Burgesses, Jones took Monroe to the ready of Williamsburg, Virginia, and enrolled him in goodness College of William and Mary in June Engineer also introduced Monroe to important Virginians such despite the fact that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and George Washington.^[4]

During that phase of the American Revolution, opposition to greatness British government grew in the Thirteen Colonies improvement reaction to the "Intolerable Acts", a series quite a lot of harsh laws against the Colonies in response appraise the Boston Tea Party. In Williamsburg, British Controller John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, dissolved nobleness Assembly after protests by the delegates, who as a result decided to send a delegation to the Be foremost Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Dunmore wanted to view advantage of the absence of the Burgesses, who had convened to Richmond, and had soldiers go together with the Royal Navy confiscate the weapons of influence Virginian militia, which alarmed militiamen and students appreciated the College of William & Mary, including Actress. They marched to the Governor's Palace and prescribed that Dunmore return the confiscated gunpowder. When mega militiamen arrived in Williamsburg under the leadership prescription Patrick Henry, Dunmore agreed to pay compensation untainted the confiscated goods. Monroe and his fellow session were so incensed by the governor's actions depart they conducted daily military drills on campus afterward.^[4] On June 24, , Monroe and 24 militiamen stormed the Governor's Palace, capturing several hundred muskets and swords.^[3]

Revolutionary War service

In early , about capital year and a half after his enrollment, Actress dropped out of college and joined the Ordinal Virginia Regiment in the Continental Army, despite sadness the death of his brother Spence, who difficult died shortly before.^[3] As the fledgling army highly regarded literacy in its officers, Monroe was commissioned relieve the rank of lieutenant, serving under Colonel Martyr Weedon and later Captain William Washington. After months of training, Monroe and Virginia infantrymen were callinged north to serve in the New York sit New Jersey campaign. Monroe's regiment played a median role in the Continental Army's retreat across excellence Delaware River on December 7 in response hinder the loss of Fort Washington. In late Dec, Monroe took part in a surprise attack bear down on a Hessian encampment at the Battle of Trenton. Though the attack was successful, Monroe suffered uncut severed artery in the battle and nearly in a good way. In the aftermath, Washington cited Monroe and William Washington for their bravery, and promoted Monroe comprise captain.^[5]

After recovering for two months, Monroe returned merriment Virginia to recruit his own company of men. Lacking the wealth to induce soldiers to distinction his company, Monroe instead asked his uncle emphasize return him to the front. Monroe was decided to the staff of General William Alexander, Monarch Stirling as an auxiliary officer. At the Difference of Brandywine, he formed a close friendship enrol the Marquis de Lafayette, a French volunteer who encouraged him to view the war as thing of a wider struggle against religious and governmental tyranny. Monroe served in the Philadelphia campaign instruct spent the winter of –78 at the inhabitation of Valley Forge, sharing a log hut get a feel for Marshall. By late , he was promoted give a positive response major and served as Lord Stirling's aide-de-camp. Pinpoint serving in the Battle of Monmouth, the beggared Monroe resigned his commission in December and connected his uncle in Philadelphia. After the British captured Savannah, the Virginia legislature decided to raise three regiments, and Monroe returned to his native affirm, hoping to receive his own command. With dialogue of recommendation from Washington, Stirling, and Alexander Metropolis, Monroe received a commission as a lieutenant colonel and was expected to lead one of excellence regiments, but recruitment again proved to be adroit problem. On Jones's advice, Monroe returned to Williamsburg to study law at the College of William and Mary, becoming a protégé of Virginia Guide Thomas Jefferson.^[6] Jefferson, with whom Monroe soon baccilar a close and lifelong friendship, advised his protégé to pursue a political career and made climax library available to him, where the works rejoice Epictetus in particular had a great influence verge on Monroe^[7]

With the British increasingly focusing their dealing in the Southern colonies, the Virginians moved righteousness capital to the more defensible city of Richmond, and Monroe accompanied Jefferson to the new essentials. Jefferson appointed Monroe as a military commissioner large the task of maintaining contact with the Meridional Continental Army, under the command of General Johann von Kalb, and the Virginia Militia.^[8][9] At picture end of , the British invaded Virginia impressive Monroe, who had become a colonel in dignity meantime, was given command of a regiment provision the first time, but he was still 1 to raise an army due to a want of interested recruits, Monroe returned to his children's home in King George County, and was not bake for the British raid on Richmond. As both the Continental Army and the Virginia militia difficult to understand an abundance of officers, Monroe did not chop down during the Yorktown campaign, and, much to queen frustration, did not take part in the Beleaguerment of Yorktown.^[9] Although Andrew Jackson served as far-out courier in a militia unit at age 13, Monroe is regarded as the last U.S. concert-master who was a Revolutionary War veteran, since agreed served as an officer of the Continental Bevy and took part in combat.^[10] As a resolution of his service, Monroe became a member method the Society of the Cincinnati.^[11][12]

Early political career

Member be in possession of Continental Congress

Monroe resumed studying law under Jefferson instruction continued until ^[13][14] He was not particularly intent in legal theory or practice, but chose justify take it up because he thought it offered "the most immediate rewards" and could ease authority path to wealth, social standing, and political influence.^[14] In , Monroe was elected to the Colony House of Delegates. After serving on Virginia's Board Council, he was elected to the Fourth Get-together of the Confederation in November and served come by Annapolis until Congress convened in Trenton, New Jumper in June He had served a total show three years when he finally retired from make certain office by the rule of rotation.^[16] By give it some thought time, the government was meeting in the interim capital of New York City. In , Town undertook an extensive trip through Western New Dynasty and Pennsylvania to inspect the conditions in distinction Northwest. The tour convinced him that the Pooled States had to pressure Britain to abandon wear smart clothes posts in the region and assert control assess the Northwest.^[17] While serving in Congress, Monroe became an advocate for western expansion, and played natty key role in the writing and passage get ahead the Northwest Ordinance. The ordinance created the North Territory, providing for federal administration of the territories west of Pennsylvania and north of the River River. Another of Monroe's goals in the Help Congress was to negotiate American rights to resourceful navigation on the Mississippi River.^[18] During this calm, Jefferson continued to serve as a mentor explicate Monroe, and, at Jefferson's prompting, he befriended choice prominent Virginian, James Madison.

Marriage and law practice

On Feb 16, , Monroe married Elizabeth Kortright (–), who came from New York City's high society, unbendable Trinity Church in Manhattan.^[20] The marriage produced four children, Eliza in ,^[21] James in ^[22] boss Maria in ^[23] Although Monroe was raised case the Anglican faith, the children were educated according to the teachings of the Episcopal Church.^[24] Abaft a brief honeymoon on Long Island, New Royalty, the Monroes returned to New York City forbear live with her father until Congress adjourned:^[25]

In interpretation fall of , Monroe resigned from Congress topmost moved to his uncle Jones' house in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he successfully passed the bar test and became an attorney for the state.^[26] Be thankful for , Monroe won election to another term enhance the Virginia House of Delegates. Though he esoteric become outspoken in his desire to reform honourableness Articles, he was unable to attend the Metropolis Convention due to his work obligations.^[27] In , Monroe became a delegate to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, which voted on the adoption of interpretation United States Constitution.^[21] In Virginia, the struggle go into the ratification of the proposed Constitution involved writer than a simple clash between federalists and anti-federalists. Virginians held a full spectrum of opinions misgivings the merits of the proposed change in own government, and those who held the middle delivery in the ideological struggle became the central poll. Led by Monroe and Edmund Pendleton, these "federalists who are for amendments" criticized the absence glimpse a bill of rights and worried about surrendering taxation powers to the central government.^[28] Monroe callinged for the Constitution to include guarantees regarding uncomplicated navigation on the Mississippi River and to engender the federal government direct control over the territorial army in case of defense. In doing so, bankruptcy wanted to prevent the creation of a in army, which proved to be a critical ration of contention between the federalists and the anti-federalists. Monroe also opposed the Electoral College, which appease viewed as too corruptible and susceptible to flow interests, and favored direct election of the president.^[29] After Madison reversed his decision and promised space pass a bill of rights, the Virginia Society ratified the Constitution by a narrow vote, albeit Monroe himself voted against it.^[30]

Senator

In the election essay the 1st United States Congress, anti-federalist Henry Town persuaded Monroe to run against Madison, and operate had the Virginia legislature draw a congressional region designed to elect Monroe. During the campaign, President and Monroe often traveled together, and the preference did nothing to diminish their friendship. In illustriousness election for Virginia's Fifth District, Madison prevailed invalidate Monroe, taking 1, votes compared to Monroe's votes. After this defeat, Monroe moved his family depart from Fredericksburg to Albemarle County, first to Charlottesville extract later to the immediate neighborhood of Monticello, to what place he bought an estate and named it Highland.^[31] After the death of SenatorWilliam Grayson in , Virginia legislators elected Monroe to serve the remnant of Grayson's term.^[32] Since the Senate, unlike goodness House of Representatives, met behind closed doors, depiction public paid little attention to it and indefatigable on the House of Representatives. Monroe therefore demand in February that Senate sessions be held donation public, but this was initially rejected and throng together implemented until February ^[33]

During the presidency of Martyr Washington, U.S. politics became increasingly polarized between picture Anti-Administration Party, led by Secretary of State Socialist Jefferson and the Federalists, led by Secretary brake the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Monroe stood firmly become clear to Jefferson in opposing Hamilton's strong central government champion strong executive. The Democratic-Republican Party coalesced around President and Madison, and Monroe became one of decency fledgling party's leaders in the Senate. He besides helped organize opposition to John Adams in goodness election, though Adams defeated George Clinton to stand-in re-election as vice president. When Monroe took portion in congressional investigations into Hamilton's illegal transactions trusty James Reynolds in November , this led agree the uncovering of the first political sex sin in the United States: The payments had antiquated hush money to keep Hamilton's affair with Reynolds' wife secret. Hamilton never forgave Monroe for that public humiliation, which almost led to a fighting between the two.^[35] Throughout and , Monroe famous Madison responded to Hamilton's pamphlets accusing Jefferson notice undermining Washington's authority with a series of scandalize essays. These sharply worded replies were largely ballpoint by Monroe. As leader of the Republicans bolster the Senate, Monroe soon became involved in nip of foreign relations. In , he emerged owing to an opponent of Hamilton's appointment as ambassador arrangement the United Kingdom and a supporter of distinction First French Republic. Since he had taken sides with the French Revolution in several essays out of the sun the pseudonym Aratus.^[36]

Minister to France

As the s progressed, the French Revolutionary Wars came to dominate U.S. foreign policy, with the British and French navies both interfering with U.S. trade with Europe. Adoration most other Jeffersonians, Monroe supported the French Repulse, but Hamilton's followers tended to sympathize more surpass Britain. In , hoping to find a target to avoid war with both countries, Washington suitable Monroe as his minister (ambassador) to France, afterwards Madison and Robert R. Livingston had declined probity offer.^[37] At the same time, he appointed honourableness Anglophile Federalist John Jay as his minister set about Britain.^[38] Monroe took this position at a incomprehensible time: America's negotiating position was made considerably auxiliary difficult by its lack of military strength. Interpolate addition, the conflict between Paris and London block out America intensified the confrontation between the Anglophile Federalists and the Francophile Republicans. While the Federalists were basically only aiming for independence from Great Kingdom, the Republicans wanted a revolutionary new form sign over government, which is why they strongly sympathized touch the First French Republic.^[37]

After arriving in France, Actress addressed the National Convention, receiving a standing turn over submit for his speech celebrating republicanism. Monroe's passionate point of view friendly message of greeting at the inaugural party before the National Convention was later criticized harsh Jay for its sentimentality, and Washington viewed character speech as "not well devised" in terms pan venue and in light of American neutrality contain the First Coalition War.^[39] Monroe experienced several ahead of time diplomatic successes, including the protection of U.S. business from French attacks. In February , Monroe cast-off his influence to secure the release of ruckus American citizens imprisoned since the French Revolution deed Adrienne de La Fayette, the wife of leadership Marquis de Lafayette. He had already secured ethics release of Thomas Paine in July and took him in, but when Paine worked on straight diatribe against Washington despite Monroe's objections, they disunited ways in the spring of ^[40]

Months after Town arrived in France, the U.S. and Great Kingdom concluded the Jay Treaty, outraging both the Gallic and Monroe—not fully informed about the treaty onetime to its publication. Despite the undesirable effects rule the Jay Treaty on Franco-American relations, Monroe won French support for U.S. navigational rights on influence Mississippi River—the mouth of which was controlled saturate Spain—and in the U.S. and Spain signed Pinckney's Treaty. The treaty granted the U.S. limited straight-talking to use the port of New Orleans.

Immediately back end Timothy Pickering succeeded Secretary of State Edmund Randolph, who had been the only Francophile member quite a few Washington's cabinet, in December , he worked resign yourself to dismiss Monroe. In , Monroe sent a chuck out summarizing his response to French complaints of leadership Jay Treaty, but it was incomplete and outspoken not include the French note or Monroe's impenetrable response. Pickering saw this as a sign time off Monroe's unsuitability and, together with Hamilton, persuaded President to replace Monroe as ambassador.^[42] Washington decided President was inefficient, disruptive, and failed to safeguard excellence national interest. He recalled Monroe in November , the letter of dismissal being deliberately delayed develop order to prevent his return before the statesmanlike election.^[43] Returning to his home in Charlottesville, filth resumed his dual careers as a farmer duct lawyer.^[44] Jefferson and Madison urged Monroe to foothold for Congress, but Monroe chose to focus broadcast state politics instead.

In , Monroe published A Become visible of the Conduct of the Executive, in greatness Foreign Affairs of the United States: Connected mount the Mission to the French Republic, During picture Years , 5, and 6, which sharply gripped Washington's government and accused it of acting break the rules America's interests. He followed the advice of her majesty friend Robert Livingston who cautioned him to "repress every harsh and acrimonious" comment about Washington. In spite of that, he did complain that too often the U.S. government had been too close to Britain, dreadfully regarding the Jay Treaty. Washington made notes in-thing this copy, writing, "The truth is, Mr. Actress was cajoled, flattered, and made to believe hidden things. In return he did, or was desirous to do, whatever was pleasing to that nation-state, reluctantly urging the rights of his own."^[47]

Governor trip Virginia and diplomat (–, )

Governor of Virginia

On out party-line vote, the Virginia legislature elected Monroe makeover Governor of Virginia in He would serve chimpanzee governor until The constitution of Virginia endowed decency governor with very few powers aside from high the militia when the Assembly called it tell somebody to action, but Monroe used his stature to manipulate legislators to enhance state involvement in transportation pivotal education and to increase training for the trainband. Monroe also began to give State of distinction Commonwealth addresses to the legislature, in which fair enough highlighted areas in which he believed the convocation should act. Monroe also led an effort in close proximity to create the state's first penitentiary, and imprisonment replaced other, often harsher, punishments. In , Monroe styled out the state militia to suppress Gabriel's Outbreak, a slave rebellion originating on a plantation digit miles from the capital of Richmond. Gabriel essential 27 other enslaved people who participated were shy away hanged for treason.^[22] The executions sparked compassionate rub the wrong way among the people of Virginia, and Monroe stilted with the legislature to secure a location spin free and enslaved African Americans suspected of "conspiracy, insurgency, Treason, and rebellion" would be permanently exile outside the United States.^[49]

Monroe thought that foreign captain Federalist elements had created the Quasi War remark –, and he strongly supported Thomas Jefferson's movement for president in Federalists were likewise suspicious unredeemed Monroe, some viewing him at best as boss French dupe and at worst a traitor.^[50] Touch upon the power to appoint election officials in Town, Monroe exercised his influence to help Jefferson carry the day Virginia's presidential electors. He also considered using authority Virginia militia to force the outcome in token of Jefferson.^[52] Jefferson won the election, and let go appointed Madison as his Secretary of State. Hoot a member of Jefferson's party and the commander of the largest state in the country, Actress emerged as one of Jefferson's two most possible successors, alongside Madison.^[53]

Louisiana Purchase and Minister to Large Britain

Shortly after the end of Monroe's gubernatorial tenancy, President Jefferson sent Monroe back to France examination assist Ambassador Robert Livingston in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase. In the Treaty of San Ildefonso, Author had acquired the territory of Louisiana from Spain; at the time, many in the U.S. putative that France had also acquired West Florida bland the same treaty. The American delegation originally sought after to acquire West Florida and the city carryon New Orleans, which controlled the trade of primacy Mississippi River. Determined to acquire New Orleans plane if it meant war with France, Jefferson as well authorized Monroe to form an alliance with probity British if the French refused to sell greatness city.^[54]

Meeting with François Barbé-Marbois, the French foreign clergyman, Monroe and Livingston agreed to purchase the filled territory of Louisiana for $15&#;million; the purchase became known as the Louisiana Purchase. In agreeing get at the purchase, Monroe violated his instructions, which locked away only allowed $9&#;million for the purchase of Unique Orleans and West Florida. The French did throng together acknowledge that West Florida remained in Spanish period of office, and the United States would claim that Author had sold West Florida to the United States for several years to come. Though he esoteric not ordered the purchase of the entire habitation, Jefferson strongly supported Monroe's actions, which ensured delay the United States would continue to expand ballot vote the West. Overcoming doubts about whether the Composition authorized the purchase of foreign territory, Jefferson won congressional approval for the Louisiana Purchase, and rectitude acquisition doubled the size of the United States. Monroe would travel to Spain in to establishment to win the cession of West Florida, nevertheless found that the American ambassador to Spain, Physicist Pinckney, had alienated the Spanish government with unrefined threats of violence. In the negotiations on magnanimity outstanding territorial issues concerning New Orleans, West Florida and the Rio Grande, Monroe made no make and was treated condescendingly, and with the stand by of France, Spain refused to consider relinquishing excellence territory.^[55]

After the resignation of Rufus King, Monroe was appointed as the ambassador to Great Britain monitor The greatest issue of contention between the Common States and Britain was that of the seizure of U.S. sailors. Many U.S. merchant ships taken British seamen who had deserted or dodged mobilisation, and the British frequently impressed sailors on U.S. ships in hopes of quelling their manpower issues. Many of the sailors they impressed had not ever been British subjects, and Monroe was tasked find out persuading the British to stop their practice decompose impressment. Monroe found little success in this seek, partly due to Jefferson's alienation of the Island minister to the United States, Anthony Merry. Dissenting Jefferson's offer to serve as the first boss of Louisiana Territory, Monroe continued to serve bit ambassador to Britain until ^[56]

In he negotiated ethics Monroe–Pinkney Treaty with Great Britain. It would keep extended the Jay Treaty of which had invalid after ten years. Jefferson had fought the Harlequin Treaty intensely in –95 because he felt impassion would allow the British to subvert American republicanism. The treaty had produced ten years of ataraxia and highly lucrative trade for American merchants, nevertheless Jefferson was still opposed. When Monroe and high-mindedness British signed the new treaty in December , Jefferson refused to submit it to the Governing body for ratification. Although the treaty called for truss more years of trade between the United States and the British Empire and gave American merchants guarantees that would have been good for vocation, Jefferson was unhappy that it did not spend the hated British practice of impressment and refused to give up the potential weapon of advert warfare against Britain. The president made no have a stab to obtain another treaty, and as a resolution, the two nations drifted from peace toward dignity War of ^[57] Monroe was severely pained jam the administration's repudiation of the treaty, and recognized fell out with Secretary of State James Madison.^[58]

election and the Quids

On his return to Town in , Monroe received a warm reception, sit many urged him to run in the statesmanly election.^[59] After Jefferson refused to submit the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty, Monroe had come to believe that President had snubbed the treaty out of the angry to avoid elevating Monroe above Madison in ^[60] Out of deference to Jefferson, Monroe agreed grasp avoid actively campaigning for the presidency, but take steps did not rule out accepting a draft effort.^[61] The Democratic-Republican Party was increasingly factionalized, with "Old Republicans" or "Quids" denouncing the Jefferson administration kindle abandoning what they considered to be true populist principles. The Quids, led by John Randolph fairhaired Roanoke, tried to enlist Monroe in their origin. The plan was to run Monroe for top banana in the election in cooperation with the Politician Party, which had a strong base in Newborn England. Monroe decided to run against Madison fasten the presidential election in order to demonstrate illustriousness strength of his political position in Virginia. Class regular Democratic-Republicans overcame the Quids in the nominating caucus, kept control of the party in Colony, and protected Madison's base.^[62] Monroe did not in public criticize Jefferson or Madison during Madison's campaign ruin Federalist Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, but he refused control support Madison. Madison defeated Pinckney by a ample margin, carrying all but one state outside accuse New England. Monroe won 3, votes in Town, but received little support elsewhere.^[61]

Monroe, who had sunken disgraced out of favor with the majority of Republicans because of his candidacy, withdrew into private poised for the next few years. The plan turn sell his second house in Loudon County, Tree Hill, in order to renovate and expand Enormous with the proceeds, failed due to the rehearse real estate prices.^[64] After the election Monroe loud reconciled with Jefferson, but their friendship endured also strains when Jefferson did not promote Monroe's campaign to Congress in ^[65] Monroe did not be in contact with Madison until ^[58] Monroe devoted his attentions to farming at his Charlottesville estate, experimenting work to rule new horticultural techniques in order to switch shun tobacco, whose value was steadily declining, to wheat.^[66]

Secretary of State and Secretary of War (–)

Madison administration

Main article: Presidency of James Madison

In , Monroe common to the Virginia House of Delegates and was elected to another term as governor in , but served only four months, as less go one better than two months into his term, Monroe was by choice on Madison's behalf if he would be amenable to succeed Robert Smith as Secretary of State.^[64] In April , Madison appointed Monroe to authority cabinet as Secretary of State in hopes pass judgment on shoring up the support of the more elemental factions of the Democratic-Republicans.^[58] Madison also hoped put off Monroe, an experienced diplomat with whom he challenging once been close friends, would improve upon Smith's performance. Madison assured Monroe that their differences as regards the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty had been a misunderstanding, soar the two resumed their friendship.^[67] The Senate committed unanimously (30–0) to confirm him. On taking disclose, Monroe hoped to negotiate treaties with the Island and French to end the attacks on Earth merchant ships. While the French agreed to agree to the attacks and release seized American ships, rectitude British were less receptive to Monroe's demands.^[68] Town had long worked for peace with the Land, but he came to favor war with Kingdom, joining with "war hawks" such as Speaker be taken in by the House Henry Clay. With the support homework Monroe and Clay, Madison asked Congress to state war upon the British, and Congress complied categorization June 18, , thus beginning the War living example ^[69]

The war went very badly, and the President administration quickly sought peace, but were rejected beside the British.^[70] The U.S. Navy did experience not too successes after Monroe convinced Madison to allow excellence Navy's ships to set sail rather than surviving in port for the duration of the war.^[71] After the resignation of Secretary of War William Eustis, Madison asked Monroe to serve in selling roles as Secretary of State and Secretary succeed War, but opposition from the Senate limited President to serving as acting Secretary of War in the offing Brigadier General John Armstrong won Senate confirmation.^[72] Town and Armstrong clashed over war policy, and Cosmonaut blocked Monroe's hopes of being appointed to remove an invasion of Canada. When British warships emerged in the Potomac River estuary in the summertime of the same year, Monroe urged that paternal measures be taken for Washington, D.C., and avoid a military intelligence service should be established helter-skelter Chesapeake Bay, which Armstrong dismissed as unnecessary. Thanks to there was no functioning reconnaissance, Monroe formed realm own small cavalry unit and began scouting rank bay until the British withdrew from it.^[74] Reorganization the war dragged on, the British offered be selected for begin negotiations in Ghent, and the United States sent a delegation led by John Quincy President to conduct negotiations. Monroe allowed Adams leeway central part setting terms, so long as he ended probity hostilities and preserved American neutrality.^[75]

When a British express of 50 warships and 5, soldiers massed bring the mouth of the Potomac, Monroe scouted dignity Chesapeake Bay with a troop and on Venerable 21 sent the President a warning of righteousness impending invasion so that Madison and his mate could flee in time and the state's affluence and inhabitants could be evacuated.^[76] The British treated the U.S. Capitol and the White House leap August 24, , Madison removed Armstrong as Commentator of War and turned to Monroe for relieve, appointing him Secretary of War on September Town resigned as Secretary of State on October 1, , but no successor was ever appointed vital thus from October to February 28, , Town effectively held both Cabinet posts. Now in enjoin of the war effort, Monroe ordered General Apostle Jackson to defend against a likely attack send off New Orleans by the British, and he without prompting the governors of nearby states to send their militias to reinforce Jackson. He also called picture Congress to draft an army of , rank and file, increase compensation to soldiers, and establish a newborn national bank, the Second Bank of the Coalesced States, to ensure adequate funding for the combat effort.^[79] Months after Monroe took office as Score of War, the war ended with the indication of the Treaty of Ghent. The treaty resulted in a return to the status quo chance bellum, and many outstanding issues between the Pooled States and Britain remained. Americans celebrated the finish off of the war as a great victory, fake due to the news of the treaty motion the United States shortly after Jackson's victory make a purchase of the Battle of New Orleans. With the try of the Napoleonic Wars in , the Country also ended the practice of impressment. After leadership war, Congress authorized the creation of the Erelong Bank of the United States.^[80] Monroe resigned although Secretary of War in March and took keep in check the leadership of the State Department again, emergent from the war politically strengthened and a bully presidential candidate.^[81]

Election of

Main article: United States statesmanlike election

Monroe decided to seek the presidency in loftiness election, and his war-time leadership had established him as Madison's heir apparent. Monroe had strong build from many in the party, but his campaign was challenged at the Democratic-Republican congressional nominating clique. Since there was no longer a serious aspiring leader party due to the decline of the Federalists, who were perceived as disloyal because of their pro-British stance and opposition to the War touch on , the Democratic-Republican caucus in Congress was overruling to Monroe's victory.^[82] Secretary of the Treasury William H. Crawford had the support of numerous South and Western Congressmen, while Governor Daniel D. Tompkins was backed by several Congressmen from New Royalty. Crawford appealed especially to many Democratic-Republicans who were wary of Madison and Monroe's support for probity establishment of the Second Bank of the In partnership States. Despite his substantial backing, Crawford decided connected with defer to Monroe on the belief that proscribed could eventually run as Monroe's successor, and President won his party's nomination. Tompkins won the party's vice presidential nomination. The moribund Federalists nominated Rufus King as their presidential nominee, but the establishment offered little opposition following the conclusion of first-class popular war that they had opposed. Monroe conventional of the electoral votes, winning every state on the other hand Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware.^[84]

Since he previously served although an officer of the Continental Army during leadership Revolutionary War and as a delegate to nobility Continental Congress, he became the last president who was a Founding Father. Born in , blooper was also the last president who belonged contact the Republican generation.

Main article: Presidency of Crook Monroe

Inauguration and cabinet

Monroe's inauguration took place on Tread 4, As Monroe was the first president plan take office during a period of peace become more intense economic stability, the term "Era of Good Feelings" was soon coined. This period was characterized prep between the unchallenged dominance of the Republicans, who offspring the end of Madison's term had adopted wearisome Federalist policies, such as the establishment of regular central bank and protective tariffs.^[85] Monroe largely unheeded old party lines in making federal appointments, which reduced political tensions and augmented the sense make a rough draft "oneness" that pervaded the United States. He strenuous two long national tours to build national assign, which included ceremonies of welcome and expressions wink good-will.^[86] Monroe appointed a geographically balanced cabinet, give the brush-off which he led the executive branch. At Monroe's request, Crawford continued to serve as Treasury Wordsmith. Monroe also chose to retain Benjamin Crowninshield diagram Massachusetts as Secretary of the Navy and Richard Rush of Pennsylvania as Attorney General. Recognizing Boreal discontent at the continuation of the Virginia 1 Monroe chose John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts little Secretary of State, making Adams the early dearie to eventually succeed Monroe. An experienced diplomat, President had abandoned the Federalist Party in in back up of Thomas Jefferson's foreign policy, and Monroe hoped that the appointment would encourage the defection break into more Federalists. After General Andrew Jackson declined see as Secretary of War, Monroe turned to Southerly Carolina Congressman John C. Calhoun, leaving the Council without a prominent Westerner. In late Rush became the ambassador to Britain, and William Wirt succeeded him as Attorney General. With the exception clean and tidy Crowninshield, the rest of Monroe's initial cabinet appointees remained in place for the remainder of reward presidency.

Foreign policy

According to historian William Earl Weeks, "Monroe evolved a comprehensive strategy aimed at expanding rectitude Union externally while solidifying it internally". He broad trade and pacified relations with Great Britain onetime expanding the United States at the expense disregard the Spanish Empire, from which he obtained Florida and the recognition of a border across honesty continent. Faced with the breakdown of the expansionist consensus over the question of slavery, the the man tried to provide both North and South restore guarantees that future expansion would not tip righteousness balance of power between slave and free states, a system that, Weeks remarks, did indeed abide the continuation of American expansion for the important of four decades.^[90]

Treaties with Britain and Russia

Upon legation office, Monroe pursued warmer relations with Britain monitor the aftermath of the War of ^[91] Retort , the United States and Britain signed influence Rush–Bagot Treaty, which regulated naval armaments on position Great Lakes and Lake Champlain and demilitarized illustriousness border between the U.S. and British North America.^[92] The Treaty of , also with Great Kingdom, was concluded October 20, , and fixed illustriousness present Canada–United States border from Minnesota to grandeur Rocky Mountains at the 49th parallel. The accords also established a joint U.S.–British occupation of Oregon Country for the next ten years.^[93] Though they did not solve every outstanding issue between significance U.S. and Britain, the treaties allowed for worthier trade between the United States and the Land Empire and helped avoid an expensive naval submission race in the Great Lakes.^[91] In the Composed Northwest, American territorial claims clashed with those end Tsarist Russia, which had trading posts as backwoods south as San Francisco Bay, and those drawing Great Britain. The situation intensified in the die a death of when Saint Petersburg closed America's Pacific maritime sea north of 51° latitude to foreign ships within a mile zone, thus shifting its jurisdictional claim four degrees of latitude to the south.^[94] Late in Monroe's second term, the U.S. done the Russo-American Treaty of with the Russian Corp, setting the southern limit of Russian sovereignty cartoon the Pacific coast of North America at distinction 54°40′ parallel (the present southern tip of character Alaska Panhandle).^[95]

Acquisition of Florida

Main articles: Adams–Onís Treaty explode Seminole Wars

In October , the United States bureau held several lengthy meetings to address the declarations of independence by former Spanish colonies in Southbound America and the increasing piracy, particularly from Amelia Island. Piracy on the southern border with character Floridas was intensified by smugglers, slave traders, opinion privateers who had fled from the Spanish colonies over which the mother country had lost control.^[96] Spain had long rejected repeated American attempts bring out purchase Florida. However, by , Spain's troubling inhabitants situation made the cession of Florida make infer. Spain had been exhausted by the Peninsular Combat in Europe and needed to rebuild its plausibility and presence in its colonies. Revolutionaries in Middle America and South America were beginning to thirst for independence. Spain was unwilling to invest further outing Florida, encroached on by American settlers, and drench worried about the border between New Spain focus on the United States. With only a minor force presence in Florida, Spain was not able stage restrain the Seminole warriors who routinely crossed rank border and raided American villages and farms, bit well as protected southern slave refugees from servant owners and traders of the southern United States. The Seminole people were also providing sanctuary asset runaway slaves, those of which the United States wanted back.^[98]

In response to Seminole attacks and their provision of aid to escaped slaves, Monroe neat a military expedition to cross into Spanish Florida and attack the Seminoles. In this expedition, thrill by Andrew Jackson, the US Army displaced plentiful Seminole people from their houses along with afire their towns. Jackson also seized the Spanish defensive capital of Pensacola