James Monroe: The Architect of American Foreign Policy

Early Life and Career

James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father, Spence Monroe, was a planter and soldier, and his mother, Elizabeth Jones Monroe, was a devout Christian. Monroe had four siblings, and the family lived in a comfortable home on their plantation.

James Monroe and the Monroe Doctrine | World Leader Biographies Grade 5 | Children's Historical Biographies

by Pete Smith

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Language	:	English
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Monroe was a bright and inquisitive child, and he received a good education. He attended the College of William and Mary, where he studied law. After graduating, Monroe returned to Virginia and began practicing law. He quickly became known as a skilled lawyer and a rising star in the political world.

In 1782, Monroe was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. He served in the House for several years, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1786, he was elected to the Continental Congress.

The Continental Congress was the governing body of the United States during the Revolutionary War. Monroe served in the Congress for several years, and he played a key role in the drafting of the Constitution.

Presidency

In 1816, Monroe was elected president of the United States. He served two terms in office, and his presidency is best known for the Monroe Doctrine.

The Monroe Doctrine was a declaration that the Americas were off-limits to European colonization. Monroe issued the doctrine in response to the threat of European powers intervening in the newly independent Latin American republics.

The Monroe Doctrine was a major turning point in American foreign policy. It marked the end of the era of European colonialism in the Americas, and it established the United States as a global power.

In addition to the Monroe Doctrine, Monroe also made a number of other important contributions to American history. He signed the Adams-Onís Treaty, which acquired Florida from Spain. He also oversaw the construction of the Erie Canal, which connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Monroe's presidency was a time of great change and growth for the United States. He was a strong leader who helped to shape the nation's future.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, Monroe retired to his plantation in Virginia. He remained active in politics, and he served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Constitutional Convention.

Monroe died on July 4, 1831, at the age of 73. He is buried in the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

Monroe's legacy is as a strong leader who helped to shape American history. He is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, which declared that the Americas were off-limits to European colonization. Monroe's presidency was a time of great change and growth for the United States. He was a strong leader who helped to shape the nation's future.

James Monroe: A Timeline

* 1758: Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia * 1776: Graduated from the College of William and Mary * 1782: Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates * 1786: Elected to the Continental Congress * 1816: Elected president of the United States * 1823: Issues the Monroe Doctrine * 1831: Dies in Richmond, Virginia

James Monroe: A Photo Gallery

[Image of James Monroe]

[Image of the Monroe Doctrine]

[Image of the Erie Canal]

James Monroe: Further Reading

* James Monroe: A Biography by Richard Brookhiser * The Monroe Doctrine: A Study in American Foreign Policy by Dexter Perkins * The Era of Good Feelings: The United States from 1815 to 1828 by George Dangerfield

James Monroe and the Monroe Doctrine | World Leader Biographies Grade 5 | Children's Historical Biographies

by Pete Smith

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	34857 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	409 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE