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James Monroe //April 28, 1758- July 4, 1831 // //Political Party: Democratic-Republican // //Term: March 4, 1817- March 4, 1825 Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins //


 * **Thesis:** James Monroe was the 5th president of the United States, and nearly unanimously elected as well. Being looked upon in history as the president of “The Era of Good Feelings” says a lot, and I think that he deserves the grade of an A-. Monroe was given a country that was on the verge of breaking into pieces due to sectionalism, and he handled it extremely well. He strived for national unity, as well as efficiently upholding America’s goal for neutrality. **


 * Goals: **James Monroe began his presidency aiming to restore, and then continue to build national unity. Dealing with a country plagued by sectionalism, this was no easy goal to undertake. He wanted the nation to continue to build its independence, and begin putting distance between itself and other countries. Although under him the Compromise of 1818 did occur its purpose was mainly to keep the neutrality rule strong with Britain, verses actually hoping to build a relationship. He wanted to keep American soil free of settlements from foreign parties, as well as putting an end to the reliance the American's had on France and Britain for supplies. This is evident in his first inaugural address.


 * Relationship with Congress: ****His relationship with congress was one of the best ones out of the American’s presidency so far. He created a diverse and well balanced cabinet, including members from all over the country. This variety of people also worked to keep the unease at a minimum, allowing the members to work productively together, and gain great amounts of respect for Monroe. The only veto Monroe used was to deny the usage of federal money for the Cumberland road. This had a direct impact on the slowing of industrialization, but he later changed his mind and deemed the bill constitutional. Known as the ‘Era of Good Feelings’ part of that label is based off of the fact that Monroe had similar opinions to most members in congress. **


 * Positive Outcomes: ****The decision made by James Monroe that had the most positive outcome is the Monroe Doctrine. It stated in this doctrine that all European powers could no longer interfere or get too directly involved with the Americas. Because he strongly wanted to avoid war with Spain, this was an extremely good way to go about handling matters. It also forbade colonization in the Americas by foreign relations. It proclaimed that the United States planned on sticking to the Neutrality Proclamation, and would not in any way, become involved with European wars. It also continued to say, that if there was an occurrence of war in the America’s, we would view this as hostile. This doctrine is still around today, although it has undergone modifications since its original scribing. It shaped our foreign policy however, and gave us a strong ground to build off of. **




 * Negative Outcomes: ****A pressing situation Monroe had to deal with while in office was the Seminole War. This can easily be considered a part of Monroe’s legacy that had the most negative outcome. From 1817-1818 Seminole Indians and escaped slaves raided Georgia from Spanish-Florida. Andrew Jackson was sent to deal with this issue, and although it was against his instruction, he took possession of the Spanish fort, lowering their flag and raising the American’s. This lead into the Adams-Onis treaty, America received Florida from Spain. It did however, leave Texas under Spanish control. In result, Jackson ended up putting Ambrister and Arbuthnot on trial for their lives before a court martial. Each being accused of stirring up the Indians and pushing them into war with the United States. One was sentenced to death, the other to 50 lashings and hard labor with a ball and chain for a year. A great amount of controversy arose in the states because of this issue, making the whole situation a mess, and overall a negative decision. Leading into the Adams-Onis treaty, America received Florida from Spain. It did however, leave Texas under Spanish control. **


 * Impacted Future Generations: ****The biggest impact Monroe made on future generations was his attempts to familiarize the people with himself. Wanting to make an attempt at establishing a form of relationship with the people, Monroe did this by traveling to experience the country and the people who lived in it. Touring the country multiple times, this is a practice that is still frequently done today. It showed Monroe’s compassion for his job, and the seriousness in which he took it. Setting a firm ground for future presidents, touring had a strong and positive impact on the future generations, and is still very much in effect today. **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">


 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Conclusion: ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-weight: normal;">I believe that James Monroe deserves an A for his presidency. The country was better off after his presidency in nearly every aspect. The economy did take a blow with the panic, but besides that all of his influences were good. He left his mark on the United States, and was well respected by the people. His decisions regarding civil and foreign affairs were well thought out and executed to the extent that they worked properly and kept peace. This being the reason why I think James Monroe deserves the grade of an A for his terms served as president. **

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">DeGregorio, William. __The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents__. Fort Lee: Barricade. 2005. James Monroe." //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">American Presidents: Life Portraits //. Web. 25 Feb. 2010. []
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