Historical Documents Belonging to James Monroe
James Monroe: A Pioneer in U.S. Politics and Diplomacy
James Monroe (1758-1831) was a prominent figure in U.S. history, serving as the fifth President of the United States from 1817 to 1825. His political career spanned several key roles, contributing significantly to the nation's development and foreign relations.
Early Career and Roles
Monroe's political journey began in 1782 when he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He later served on Virginia's Executive Council and as a delegate to the Congress of the Confederation from 1783 to 1786. During this time, Monroe advocated for western expansion and played a crucial role in shaping the Northwest Ordinance, which organized territory west of Pennsylvania and north of the Ohio River.
In 1788, Monroe opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, claiming it gave too much power to the central government. Despite this, he served twice as Governor of Virginia, from 1799 to 1802 and in subsequent terms.
Presidential Terms (1817–1825)
Monroe was elected as the 5th President of the United States in 1816 and was re-elected in 1820 with near unanimous electoral votes. His presidency, known as the "Era of Good Feelings," was marked by political calm and national prosperity.
During his tenure, Monroe oversaw significant events such as the First Seminole War, the acquisition of Florida from Spain, the Missouri Compromise, the recognition of newly independent Latin American states, and the issuance of the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine, announced in 1823, was a defining U.S. foreign policy statement that opposed European colonization in the Americas, U.S. involvement in European political affairs, and European intervention in American governments.
Additional Contributions
Throughout his career, Monroe was instrumental in promoting western expansion and national unity. He worked closely with his cabinet members, including John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State) and John C. Calhoun (Secretary of War). Monroe is considered part of the last generation of the Founding Fathers, with strong ties to contemporaries such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Key Roles and Achievements
| Role | Period | Key Contributions | |----------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Virginia House of Delegates | 1782 onward | Advocacy for western expansion; Northwest Ordinance | | Governor of Virginia | 1799–1802 (and subsequent) | State leadership | | U.S. President | 1817–1825 | Monroe Doctrine; Missouri Compromise; Florida acquisition; Era of Good Feelings |
James Monroe's political career is marked by his dedication to expanding and stabilizing the United States during its early years and establishing foundational policies that influenced the country's foreign relations well into the future.
For those interested in delving deeper into Monroe's life and career, the James Monroe Papers in Virginia Repositories microfilm edition is housed at the University of Virginia Library. The collection includes a wide range of documents, including letters, state papers, land documents, and accounts. The James Monroe Papers in Virginia Repositories microfilm edition was supported by the NHPRC through the University of Virginia Library, consisting of 13 reels. Additionally, the collection at the University of Mary Washington includes James Monroe's papers (1650-1842).
For more information about the James Monroe Papers in Virginia Repositories microfilm edition, visit http://www.worldcat.org/title/james-monroe-papers-in-virginia-repositories-hauptw/oclc/845052522.
[1] James Monroe Papers in Virginia Repositories, University of Virginia Library [2] The Monroe Doctrine, U.S. Department of State [3] James Monroe, White House Historical Association [4] James Monroe, National Park Service [5] James Monroe, Miller Center at the University of Virginia
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