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President: James Monroe Political Party: Democratic-Republican Date of terms: March 4, 1817 – March 3, 1825 (lasted two terms) Vice President: Daniel Tompkins (Both terms) Overall Rating: A

Theme: During the time that Monroe was in office, the identity of America was changing. No longer were there two political parties, because the former Federalist Party died out. America’s identity was also being shaped with the addition of a few states in the Union such as Alabama, Illinois, and Missouri. These states would be major factors in balancing power and for bringing the average westerner into American commonplace. Other change in the American identity came from Henry Clay’s American System. This was an economic plan concocted for the unification of America, and to promote the American industry. A final major change in the American identity came in around 1820, when the Hudson River School of Art came about. This school was started by artist Thomas Cole, and led to the success of artists such as William Hart and Samuel Colman. The Hudson River School was a major contributor to the American identity because it gave a perspective of the new American way including things like discovery, exploration, and settlement. Thesis: President James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States, and was the last of the Founding Fathers that ran as President. He was considered a prodigy, and studied law under Thomas Jefferson. His experience as a Lawyer and a Major in the Continental Army helped in furthering his ability as a President, where he showed leadership and character. His influence shaped America’s identity positively through the Monroe Doctrine and the Missouri Compromise. Just as well, Monroe influenced America’s identity negatively through his actions in starting the Seminole Wars. Monroe’s influence helped in fueling America’s fighting spirit by giving them something to fight for, preventing unnecessary conflict by finding a compromise, and acquiring extra land for America by fighting for it. Monroe and his Administration earn a rating of an ‘A’. Goals: In President Monroe’s first inauguration, Monroe had a few goals. One of his goals was to continue the ongoing goals of unifying the nation and removing the national debt. Another major goal of Monroe was to create infrastructure such as roads and canals. Another goal that he wanted to accomplish was to strengthen and fortify the national army and navy. Almost all of the goals of his first presidency were completed, with the exception of removing the national debt. The goal of eliminating the national debt was not reached due to the Panic of 1819. In his second inauguration address, Monroe promised some of the same things he did in his last term. He promised that he would continue to keep America working as a whole instead of in parts, and was promising to keep America neutral in foreign affairs. He also wanted to repeal internal taxes. Monroe accomplished all but two goals in his presidency. Those goals were to eliminate national debt, and to repeal internal taxes. Relations with Congress: During Monroe’s presidency, there were four Congresses that were in session. These Congresses span from the 15th to the 18th United States Congress. The 15th United States Congress had a majority of Democratic-Republican in both houses, and this majority would continue throughout Monroe’s entire Presidency. This relationship shows that Congress and Monroe would have a better time getting along, because they shared the same general viewpoints about politics. The major legislation that was passed by the Congresses in Monroe’s presidency includes the Flag Act of 1818, the Missouri Compromise, and the Land Act of 1820. The only piece of legislation that was vetoed during Monroe’s presidency was the Tallmadge Amendment. The House of Representatives was the only house that passed it, but it was a precursor to the Missouri Compromise. Positive Actions: After the Louisiana Purchase, there was an abundance of land. Eventually, states would be formed in this territory. One of the most controversial of the states was Missouri. The southerners that formed Missouri asked Congress for admission as a slave state. It was when the House of Representatives passed the Tallmadge Amendment that they angered the southerners. It wasn’t until 1820 that a compromise was reached, which was the Missouri Compromise. This compromise allowed Missouri to be admitted as a slave state, but Maine was also admitted as a free state. This compromise is very significant because it kept a balance of power in the Senate. Prior to the Missouri Compromise, there were 11 free states and 11 slave states. If Missouri was the only state admitted, then the power could have been slightly favored towards slavery in the Senate. This compromise was both a success for the president and for Congress. It was a success for Monroe mostly because as president he was the one who would finalize the compromise and make it law. The Congress was also successful because they were able to keep both sides happy. Negative Actions: The worst action taken by Monroe’s Administration was when Monroe sent General Andrew Jackson to Florida in 1817. Jackson’s campaign in Spanish Florida later became known as the First Seminole War. In this war, Jackson ventured into Florida to fight the Seminole Native Americans and their allies. Several times, Jackson invaded Florida to destroy Spanish forts. Jackson also hung two Indian Chiefs without ceremony and killed two British subjects. This was a negative action because of the repercussions it gave America. One of the major repercussions was shown during the negotiations in the Florida Purchase Treaty of 1819. Secretary John Quincy Adams was already in the process of buying Florida from Spain, but the attacks led by Jackson started some debate in Spain. This debate lengthened the time for the obtainment of Florida. It was also negative because Monroe did not properly discipline Jackson for overdoing what he was told to do. Monroe as well as Congress felt that Jackson was a war hero, and to mess with him would surely bring them unwanted trouble. As a result, Jackson was not punished and his misdeeds to the Seminole Indians went without punishment. Impact: One of the greatest impacts to America that Monroe contributed was his momentous doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine basically stated that all European powers were to stop expanding their North American colonies, and any attempt to do so would be taken as an act of aggression. This Doctrine was well received by the Americans, but was hated by the European powers. However, the Monroe Doctrine was forgotten as soon after its proclamation. Though Monroe’s doctrine was not immediately significant, it changed future generations when it was revived once more in 1845, and was reinstated as national dogma. After its reinstitution, many future presidents interpreted and used it in different ways. President Roosevelt, who used the Doctrine to intervene with the economy of smaller nations, showed a prime example of this. He used this as a means to prevent the European loaners from collecting money on the debts that could not be paid. The nations in question were the small nations in the Caribbean and Central American areas. Conclusion: The Monroe Administration had a profound effect on the American Identity. Through the Administration’s actions in the Missouri Compromise, the 1st Seminole War, and the Monroe Doctrine, they helped in solving countrywide problems, expanding the American borders, and showing Europe that America is a fighting force that is not to be messed with. His action in the Missouri Compromise prevented potential conflicts from happening. The 1st Seminole War led to the acquisition of Florida. Finally, the Monroe Doctrine showed to the world that America was developing into a global leader and would not step down from achieving its goals. Through Monroe and his administration’s actions, they earn a grade of an ‘A ’.

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