President James Monroe Biography
James Monroe served as the fifth president and was the last who had also been a founding father. Monroe also served his country during the Revolutionary War and was seriously wounded during battle. During his time in office the historic Missouri Compromise was passed. Monroe remained popular throughout his presidency despite an economic downturn that slowed the nations growth.
James Monroe is most known for his Monroe Doctrine. It was a bold initiative towards making a statement that told European countries that the United States would not tolerate anymore intervention or colonization on the American land.
Growing Up
James was growing up at the time when the American colonies and their British rulers were going through a high rise in problems. His father was a farmer and a carpenter by profession and died when James was only sixteen. After his father’s death, James was expected to take over his father’s estate and also take care of his younger siblings who consisted of four younger brothers and sisters. Fortunately, James proved to be a very capable and bright young man.
Education
James got admission in the College of William and Mary. Unfortunately, his education got terminated midway when the Revolutionary War broke out. Then he joined the local Virginia Militia and also the Continental Army. Soon he earned the ranks of a Major and fought under the commandment of George Washington. He got shot in the shoulder while fighting in the Battle of Trenton, but soon recovered just around the winter at Valley Forge.
Before Presidency
Monroe left the army like a dedicated war hero and eventually decided to become a lawyer. He followed Thomas Jefferson’s law practice and learned law by working on it. At first he became a member of the Virginia Legislature and then a delegate to the Continental Congress. As soon as United States was formed as a new country, he became the member of the US Congress and Governor of Virginia. Monroe also gained experience by working under many other presidents like; he went to France for Thomas Jefferson and helped in purchasing the Louisiana Purchase. It doubled the size of United States and helped increase US economy. James Monroe also served as the Secretary of State and Secretary of War for last president James Madison.
James Monroe’s Presidency
During his presidency five new states got admitted into the country these include:
Mississippi
Illinois
Alabama
Maine
Missouri
He further added to more expansion by purchasing the territory of Florida from Spain.
Death
Monroe moved to New York to live with his daughter’s family after his wife passed away. Soon he fell ill and died on the 4th of July, exactly after five years of the death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
James Monroe Facts
He was the third president to die on the 4th of July.
There is a famous painting of George Washington, crossing Delaware and soldier holding the flag is supposed to be Monroe.
Monroe did not write the Monroe doctrine but the secretary of state john Quincy Adams.
He was a descendent of Edward III the king of England.
His daughter Maria got married in the white house and marked the first ever wedding to be held at the white house.
James Monroe was the last president who was and adult during the revolutionary war.
He is considered to be the last founding fathers to become president.
Time in Office (1817-1825)
Born: April 28, 1758
Died: July 4, 1831
Wife: Elizabeth Kortright
Party: Democratic-Republican
Vice President: Daniel Tompkins
Religion: Episcopalian
Reference Links
James Monroe on Whitehouse.gov