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//Date of Birth: April 28, 1758 | Date of Death: July 4, 1831 Term of Office: 1817-1825 (two terms) Vice President: Daniel D. Tompkins Political Party: Democratic-Republican//
 * -James Monroe-**

"Monroe was so honest that if you turned his soul inside out there would not be a spot on it." That quote, presented by former president Thomas Jefferson, speaks the truth about James Monroe's personality and being. He is a good person, straight down to the core. Although his famed Era of Good Feelings was not so "good" and bright, his respectable attitude, dedication, and pursuit of a better future gives President Monroe the deserved grade of a B.

Monroe's number one goal as president was to enhance the country's nationalism. The issue of slavery continued to tear apart America, so Monroe tried his hardest to come up with a deal to satisfy all regions of the country. He introduced the Missouri Compromise, which did help to resolve the conflict. The state of Missouri had proposed to enter the union as a slave state, so under Monroe's terms, Missouri could be a slave state, but it would be the last state to do so, as long as slavery decreased in the state over time, as well as eliminating slavery in all other states. Another goal of President Monroe's was to be able to connect to those people he represented. As Jefferson pointed out, this was achieved very well. Monroe was an experienced and level-headed leader, which ultimately made him well-liked in even the Federalist region of New England. He took three national tours during his terms throughout the northern states, in the Chesapeake Bay are, and throughout the South and West. In fact, despite all the troubles that appeared during the Era of Good Feelings, Monroe was re-elected for a second term, being known as the only president to be re-elected after a period of major financial panic.

Monroe's relationship with Congress could best be described as rather well and productive. The two never confidently sought eye-to-eye on important issues such as national bank funding, the Missouri Compromise, elements of the Florida invasion, etc. He vetoed only one bill, yet it was about construction and further improvements with the recently established National Road, which could have used the extra support at the time. However, Monroe grew up in politics- he dedicated his life to foreign policy and public service within his country. Monroe was even once elected as Senator in Congress before his presidency starting in 1790. Congress and James Monroe had a history of working together, but that didn't mean they always had the same values and beliefs.

James Monroe's most positive action would be his self-titled Monroe Doctrine. In it was claimed basically two principles aimed at European powers- non-colonization and non-intervention. Non-colonization meant that because the era of colonization in American had ended, no Old War powers could enforce power into the country and seize more land. The second condition was directed towards the wealthier powers in Europe, stating that they should keep their "monarchical systems" out of America. To be fair, America would not help the Turks fight for their independence against the Greeks. Although the doctrine was not completely established and finished in Monroe's term, it helped create a better future for America. Not only did it express the nationalism that had lived after the War of 1812, but it also brought a period of peace to the country as well as a newly-found spirit of patriotism that would continue to survive throughout many years.

However, Monroe's worst action while serving as president would have to be the fiasco in Spanish-controlled Florida. A group of Seminole Indians were attacking, raiding, and intervening American settlements in and around the state of Georgia. As a result, Monroe discussed the issues with a general named Andrew Jackson and sent him to Florida to calm the confrontations. Jackson, not quite comprehending his instructions, took many of his troops down and ended up capturing two Spanish forts and harming many others with brutal force. This left Monroe to use this new power to assure that Spain would sell Florida to America. European powers rallied behind Spain to fight back their land, which led Monroe to start his initial draft of the Monroe Doctrine. Not only did the Seminole War bring about new confrontations with other nations, it also reminded Monroe of the idea that the president's acts could be altered by the decisions of others.

The one decision that influenced future presidents and the people of America was the Missouri Compromise. As stated above, it really helped revive the idea of nationalism. Although the North and South had been divided with their views of slavery, this compromise brought a new aura of peace around, even if only for a short period of time. Neither side was happy with the arrangements, but then again, neither side could complain. They both received advantages- the South had gained an unrestricted slave state, and the North was comforted with the fact that all future states admitted to the union would be prohibited from slave-owning. This compromise was just the beginning of a chain of events that would eventually abolish slavery for good.

While the Era of Good Feelings sounds like an amazing period of time, in truth it wasn't very brilliant. There were times of panic and hardships; of depression and unemployment. Yet, somehow, the country continued to move forward, all because of the brilliant mind of James Monroe. Without his fearless leadership and charismatic attitude, the country would have been left to shambles. Monroe's terms as president may not have been the best, but he was so well-liked that many people forgave him or just realized his personality made up for all the troubles. He was a real person who was willing to endure what the people were going through, and didn't try to force any person to do something that was believed to be bad- all reasons supporting Monroe's grade of a B as the fifth president of the United States.

"5. James Monroe 1817-1825." __The White House.__ 25 February 2010. [] Bailey, Thomas A., Lizabeth Cohen, and David M. Kennedy. __The American Pageant.__ Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. "James Monroe." __Historic Valley Forge.__ 2010. Independence Hall Association. 25 February 2010. [] Preston, Daniel. "James Monroe (1758-1831)." __Miller Center of Public Affairs.__ 2010. 25 February 2010. []
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