Monroe, James (1758–1831)

5th president of the USA 1817–25, a Democratic Republican. He served in the American Revolution, was minister to France 1794–96, and in 1803 negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. He was secretary of state 1811–14 and 1815–17, and secretary of war 1814–15. His name is associated with the Monroe Doctrine.

Monroe served in the legislature of his native Virginia in 1782, and represented Virginia along with Thomas Jefferson in the Continental Congress 1783–86. Monroe opposed ratification of the constitution when it came before the Virginia ratifying convention in 1788, fearing a central government with excessive power. He was a member of the US Senate 1790–94 and governor of Virginia 1799–1802. As president, he presided over the so-called Era of Good Feeling, a period of domestic tranquillity. He took no firm stand on the question of slavery, making his mark in foreign policy.

Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He attended the College of William and Mary and later studied law under his lifelong friend Thomas Jefferson. He entered the army 1776, serving under George Washington as lieutenant, and under the Earl of Stirling as major 1777–78. In 1780 he was appointed military commissioner for Virginia. President Washington recalled him from France 1796, as a result of his observations on the Jay Treaty negotiations over US vessels. In 1808 he was defeated for the presidency by James Madison.