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// Vice President: Daniel Tomkins // // In Office: March 4, 1817-March 4, 1825 (two terms) // // Born April 28, 1758 in Virginia // // Died July 4, 1831 // // Political Party: Democratic-Republican //
 * James Monroe**

// Theme: Globalization // // Grade: B //

James Monroe, the last of the Virginiadynasty of presidents, straddled both the fading Founding Fathers era and a new, expansive but increasingly divided age that characterized American policy at the beginning of his term in office. He inherited domestic disputes over fiscal policy along with complex border and trade issues with foreign powers. Although he failed to eliminate some mounting financial problems that would come to head in later presidencies, his aptitude in diplomacy established America’s sphere of influence over the western hemisphere through the Monroe Doctrine. These few words directed at the leaders of Europe undoubtedly strengthenedAmerica’s influence on the politics and culture of every emerging nation in theAmericas, earning him the grade of a B+.

Goals: In the wake of the War of 1812, Monroesought to assert America’s independence and improve its reputation as a legitimate world power. In order to protect the country’s trade interests, Monroe pushed for the strengthening of military defense on the coast to protect from future foreign attacks. However, he still aimed to maintain America’s declaration of neutrality in European affairs. In his inaugural speech, he added that he sought to improve relations with the Native Americans and initiate the construction of a canal and road network connecting the nation’s growing population.

Relationship with Congress: James Monroe enjoyed Democratic-Republic majority Congress for the entirety of his two terms due to the weakening of the Federalist Party. However, Monroe’s time in office was plagued by much internal turmoil beginning with the Panic of 1819. Rather than party politics, most of the debate in Congress was divided along the North-South lines. In response to the Southern uproar surrounding the Tallmadge amendment, Monroe demonstrated his levelheaded, conciliatory nature with the introduction of the Missouri Compromise. Hoping to avoid a sectional conflict during his term, he proposed this peace of legislation hoping that this would put a damper on the growing tensions between these regions. Although the Missouri Compromise did not truly appeal to either side, it served to delay the all-out brawl that ensued in a few decades. The National Bank was just starting to exhibit the undesirable effects that came to head during the Jacksonian administration. Consequently, there was little legislation enacted that served to combat the overspeculation that the Bank spawned.

Positive Impact: Monroe’s most prominent impacts on the nation’s history probably had to do with relations with the European powers contesting for control of the last of the America’s uninhabited land. The Treaty of 1818 granted Florida and the rich fishing grounds of Newfoundland to the United States as well as allowing for the Oregon Country’s joint British-American occupation. These portions of North America were geographically connected to America and Monroe simply facilitated their transition into parts of this country. Towards the end of his time in office, Monroe issued a stern warning to the European colonial powers to stay out of the Americas, for the newly emerging Latin American republics would be strictly under America’s sphere of influence. This speech had the effect signaling the start ofAmerica’s cultural, political and economic dominance in its own hemisphere.

Negative Impact: Perhaps the most negative development of his presidency was the Panic of 1819. Although, Monroe’s policies were not the sole recipient of blame, it was his inaction that really spurred the economic downturn. The Bank of the United Stateswas responsible for the deflation and depression that took the largest toll on the working class and pioneer families of the era. HadMonroe pressured the Republican Congress to try to reverse some of the Bank’s negative effects and curb the wildcat banks’ power to issue a worthless currency, this financial disaster could have possibly been avoided or dampened.

Legacy: The most lasting effects of Monroe’s administration come from the policies that were created as a result of the Monroe Doctrine. Although these words had little legislative or governmental significance, they symbolized America’s growing might as a contender for the superpower position. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and the United States engaged in an indirect war to expand their spheres of influence. The Americans used the Monroe Doctrine as a reason to exercise control over every other American nation. Communist inroads in America’s domain, specifically Cuba and Nicaragua, were a cause for great alarm in the last few decades of the 20th. This sentiment of entitlement to theWestern Hemisphere continues today as American industry and culture have a large presence in all Latin American nations. Finally,Monroe supported to creation of a republic in West Africa for freed slaves; the capital ofLiberia,Monrovia, bears his name.

At the end of the two terms of Monroe's presidency, the country was most certainly in worse condition than 8 years before. The issue of slavery was making a deep sectional divide in the nation and the Bank of the United States was wreaking economic chaos. Despite the positive developments that arose as a result of his Treaty of 1818 with Britain and the Monroe Doctrine, Monroe's inaction on repairing domestic ties between the North and the South and ending the Bank's dominance on every American's finances earns his the grade of a B.

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// "American President: Biography of James Monroe." Miller Center. Miller Center Virginia University, n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2011. < [] >. // ======

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// Message of President James Monroe at the commencement of the first session of the 18th Congress (The Monroe Doctrine), 12/02/1823; Presidential Messages of the 18th Congress, ca. 12/02/1823-ca. 03/03/1825; Record Group 46; Records of the United States Senate, 1789-1990; National Archives.) // ======

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// Monroe, James. "The Avalon Project : First Inaugural Address of James Monroe." Avalon Project - Documents in Law, History and Diplomacy. Lillian Goldman Law Library, 2008. Web. 03 Oct. 2011. . // ======