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 Date of Birth: April 28, 1758 Date of Death: July 4, 1831 Political Party: Democratic-Republican Terms of Office: March 4, 1817-March 3, 1825 (two terms) Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins (two terms)

 After the War of 1812, the economy was booming and Americans were generally in high spirits. The election of James Monroe and his touring of the country marked the beginning of an “Era of Good Feelings,” where Monroe was ruling a nation who almost all supported the same party. At this point, the Federalist party had died out and in the election of 1820, Monroe ran unopposed, receiving all but one electoral vote. This “one party rule” gave America the pretense of national unity; however, sectionalism between the north and south was growing stronger.

Previously a member of the Virginia Assembly, Congress, and the Senate, as well as serving as Minister to France, Governor of Virginia, Minister to Great Britain, Secretary of State, and Secretary of War, Monroe was more than qualified to take on the role of president. He was also immensely popular within the country. All things considered, James Monroe deserves a B for his presidency. He made a number of good decisions, and his fair share of bad ones as well, but none of his actions stand out as truly remarkable. His strongest achievements lie in his belief of constitutionality and the power of state governments, particularly with the Missouri Compromise and his beliefs about internal improvements. Americans at the time were beginning to grow wary of the increasing power of the federal government, and Monroe made sure that the state governments maintained some powers. The Monroe Doctrine was also successful at keeping European powers away from America for a time. However, Monroe violated his own goal of American neutrality in the First Seminole War.

A major goal of Monroe’s was to promote American independence from other countries. This goal was achieved mainly through his declaration against colonization in America through the Monroe Doctrine, giving Europeans the appearance that America was completely isolated. Another goal was to improve America’s relationship with Britain. This was achieved specifically with two agreements: The Rush-Bagot Treaty and the Convention of 1818. The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1818 prohibited further naval fighting between the Americans and the British on the Great Lakes. At the Convention of 1818, the American-Canadian border was established. America was also able to successfully hold a joint-occupation of Oregon with Britain.

Monroe’s relationship with Congress was normal. Though both were filled with Democratic-Republicans, the Senate had a slight majority of southern representatives while the House had more representatives from the north. The sectionalism between the two caused problems when Missouri asked to be admitted to the Union as a slave state. For the most part, Monroe got along with Congress and he disliked interfering with their matters. On the other hand, he had to step in a significant number of times to prevent Congress from passing unconstitutional laws. Monroe asked Congress to pass an amendment granting Congress the power to control transportation improvements, but Congress refused to do so because most members felt that Congress already held these powers. Monroe only vetoed one bill in his entire presidential career. The veto was in response to a bill passed by Congress regarding the construction of toll booths along the National Road. He did not think the federal government should have this power, but Congress disagreed. He also refused to listen to the advice of the congressmen and did not punish Jackson for his disobedience in Florida.

Monroe’s greatest achievement was his insistence on constitutionality, specifically with the Missouri Compromise and his veto for internal improvements. When Missouri asked to be accepted into the union as a state, the House wanted it to only be accepted as a slave-free state. The Senate disagreed, and a debate erupted between Congress. Monroe felt that it would be unconstitutional to place restrictions on the admission of one state, and told Congress that he would veto any law that tried to do so. Eventually, Congress decided to accept Missouri as a slave state, but forbade slave states entering the Union above the 36°30’ line. Monroe signed the bill only after verifying that it was constitutional. Monroe also supported internal improvements, especially development in transportation. However, he recognized that Congress had never officially been granted the power to control a transportation system, and therefore refused to make these improvements with an amendment specifically giving Congress this power. When Congress passed a bill to start federal tolls on the National Road, Monroe vetoed it, stating that the authority to toll lies with the states, not the federal government.

The low point of Monroe’s presidency was with the First Seminole War in 1817. Escaped slaves were being offered refuge by the Seminole Indians in Florida. While the Spanish army was distracted in South America, Monroe ordered Andrew Jackson to stop Indians and slaves from raiding the neighboring states. Jackson proceeded to disobey Monroe’s orders and invade Florida, capture a Spanish fort, overthrow the Spanish governor, destroy Seminole villages, and kill two British citizens. Most of the government urged Monroe to punish Jackson for his unauthorized actions, but Monroe instead was swayed by his secretary of state’s opinion and did not punish Jackson. This event lowers Monroe’s grade because it violated his wishes for American neutrality and was a completely unnecessary assault on Florida, yet Monroe refused to punish the person responsible.

The Monroe Doctrine had a lasting effect on the country for years to come. Monroe and his administration supported the Latin American colonies who had recently gained independence from Spain. Monroe stated in his doctrine of 1823 that Europe would not be allowed to reclaim old colonies (aimed at Spain) or form new colonies (aimed at Russia) in America. He warned Europeans to keep their monarchical governments away from the western hemisphere. America did not have the military means to back up their threats, but Great Britain supported the doctrine and other countries feared the powerful Royal Army. The doctrine gave America the illusion of isolationism. This foreign policy is still used today and it has been revised through the years to fit the needs of the times.

In conclusion, America was better off after being in the hands of Monroe for eight years. His support of limits on federal power was significant to American history because Americans at the time were worried about the growing increase of federal power. The Monroe Doctrine also effectively kept European powers away from America. However, the unnecessary invasion of Florida brings his grade down to a B.

Works Cited:

"American President: James Monroe." Miller Center of Public Affairs. Web. 26 Feb. 2010. .

DeGregorio, William A. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents. Fort L ee, N.J: Barricade, 2005.