Maria+C.+-+JM+-+FA11

**Died:** July 4, 1831 in New York City, New York
**Political Party:** Democratic-Republican **Terms of Office:** (1817-1821, 1821-1825) 5th president **Vice President:** Daniel D. Tompkins (2 terms)

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Monroe became the 5th president and entered in office during the time of the "Era of Good Feelings." His preceeded James Madison in a popular election due to the unpopularity towards the Federalist Party after the war of 1812 for both of his term of presidency. In the years he was running in congress for president, certain issues came to face Monroe those including the Panic of 1819, the Missouri Compromise, the Monroe Doctrine and lastly foreign affairs dealing with Spain-Florida earning him a "B+" for his overall rating towards the central theme of the American Identity.======

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In his Inaugural Address, James Monroe states his goals which he wished to attain during his terms; such as improving the Nation for the better, promote expansion towards the westwards areas, sustaining a stable economy, and unifying America by creating a stronger sense of nationalism. He achieved a stronger unity after the event of the war of 1812, managing to take actions the people would prefer causing no disagreements nor rebellions to rise from actions being taken. This promoted the "Era of Good Feelings." The expansion towards the west as Monroe secured Florida from Spain after signing a treaty and in the process protecting Georgia from dangerous outside forces. His improvement also included the creation of building roads, canals, and etc for the nation, particularly the expansion of the Cumberland Road that congress critically demanded. He vetoed this bill which he declared unconsitutional, arguing it was more of a civics bills reserved to the States to determine on their state basis. As of continuing a stable economy, he failed to manage a more prosperous income in the nation as the panic of 1819 occured sending America into a state of economic depression and sectionalism to appear.======

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James Monroe, for the most part, had a fair relationship with Congress. There was a majority party of democratic-republicans as the federalists began to fade slowly, earning him support in both of his terms. Treaties were passed such as The Missouri Compromise, The Tarrif of 1824, Treaty of 1818, and more due to the one favored party system, limiting the federalists say in both houses. Even though this situation promoted the "Era of Good feelings", disagreements over tarriffs and slavery lead to sectionalism.======

Out of all of Monroe's efforts during his presidential terms, the most positive effect had to be unquestionably the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. This doctrine was purposely declared by Monroe to state that America should not feel threatened by European countries interfering with soverign affairs or imposing on the Western Hemisphere to attempt at colonization as well as clearly stating that the Pacific Ocean belonged to America. Any attempts towards imposement in America would be seen as hostile actions. In the process of gaining Florida from Spain, America agreed to keep out from any European affairs as long as it was not in any relation concerning them. This policy supported in the growth of expansion towards the west without any fears. This also served as an example to other Latin American countries which adds onto the American Identity being recognized.

From all of that the one main negative effect, had to be the Panic of 1819 and parts of purchasing Florida from Spain. Monroe had sent General Andrew Jackson to florida who explored the land and created the First Seminole War. This was a fight between the Seminole Native Americans and their allies against Jackson which he also hung to native chiefs. He frequently tried to destroy Spanish forts which caused some disagreement as John Quicny Adams tried to negotiate the Purchase Treaty of 1819. This increased the time it took to buy it off of the Spain. Once Florida became a part of American control, Jackson returned home as a warhero. Monroe did not correct the actions his General had chose to take during his trip in Florida, proving little discipline towards his representative. There was also the economic depression that led to many Americans to go bankrupt and to increase the unemplyment rate in the country. Citizens had looked upon Monroe to assist them in this crisis but he did not take any actual beneficial actions to aid the people. He had predicted that such an event would emerge from the rapidly growth of the economy. His response was to take a setback and allow the nation to slowly rebuild its economic status. Gratefully, this depression only lasted until the year of 1823 which allowed for Americans to rebuild their economic position to a more stable and prosperous one. This precise response towards the situation degraded his rating to a "B+" for the lack of action to the problem being presented.

In conclusion, Monroe's years in presidency left the country better off than when he started in the beggining. His doctrine was praised but forgotten quickly. Although at that time, it had faded from society, this doctrine has a tremendous impact on accomplishing to set territory boundaries to create expansion westward, setting especially the fighting force against Europe, and resolving any national problems earning Monroe a solid B+.This all ties in with the present view of the American Identity that shows a strong nationalism and the persistance to thrive towards any objective being faced.