James Monroe

James Monroe (April 28, 1758 – July 4, 1831) was the fifth (1817–1825) President of the United States. He is the author of the Monroe Doctrine, although his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, convinced Monroe that the original statement be expanded, and therefore softened, so as to be more palatable to the powers of Europe. There is confusion that Adams conceived the Doctrine himself, which is not true, although he did work with Monroe to flesh out the original concept.

Early years

Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Monroe attended the school of Campelltown Academy in Virginia and then received his education at the College of William and Mary, fought with distinction in the Continental Army, and practiced law in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His father Spence Monroe (ca. 1727-1774) was a carpenter, joiner, and modest tobacco planter. He and his wife, Elizabeth Jones (born ca. 1729) had significant land holdings, but little money.

Related Topics:
Westmoreland County, Virginia - College of William and Mary - Continental Army - Fredericksburg - 1727 - 1774 - 1729

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As a youthful politician, he joined the anti-Federalists in the Virginia Convention which ratified the Constitution, and in 1790, an advocate of Jeffersonian policies, was elected United States Senator. As Minister to France in 1794-1796, he displayed strong sympathies for the French cause; later, with Robert R. Livingston and under the direction of President Thomas Jefferson, he helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. He was Governor of Virginia 1799-1802.

Related Topics:
Anti-Federalist - Virginia Convention - 1790 - United States Senator - France - 1794 - 1796 - Robert R. Livingston - Thomas Jefferson - Louisiana Purchase - Virginia - 1799 - 1802

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