POTUS

James Monroe: AP United States History Rundown

James Monroe (1758-1831) was the fifth POTUS, serving from 1817 to 1825. His presidency is often associated with the “Era of Good Feelings”, a period characterized by national unity and a sense of purpose after the War of 1812. However, this era also saw the rise of sectional tensions that would ultimately lead to the Civil War.

Key Events & Associations

• American Revolution: Monroe served in the Continental Army, fighting in several battles and even suffering a severe wound.
• Constitutional Convention (1787): Although not a delegate, Monroe was initially skeptical of the Constitution of the United States, fearing it granted too much power to the central government. He later supported its ratification after the addition of the Bill of Rights.
• Minister to France (1794-1796): Appointed by George Washington, Monroe’s time in France was marked by controversy, as he was seen as too sympathetic to the French Revolution.
• Louisiana Purchase (1803): As a special envoy to France, Monroe played a crucial role in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States.
• Secretary of State (1811-1817): Under President James Madison, Monroe served as Secretary of State during the War of 1812. He also briefly served as Secretary of War during the conflict.

Important Legislation & Policies

• Adams-Onis Treaty (1819): This treaty, negotiated by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, transferred Florida from Spain to the United States. It also established the boundary between Spanish territory and the U.S.
• Missouri Compromise (1820): This legislation addressed the growing issue of slavery by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power in the Senate. It also prohibited slavery in the remaining Louisiana Purchase territory north of the 36°30′ parallel.
• Monroe Doctrine (1823): This cornerstone of American foreign policy declared that the United States would oppose any further European colonization in the Americas and would not interfere in European affairs.

Groups & Affiliations

• Anti-Federalists: Initially aligned with the Anti-Federalists, who opposed the ratification of the Constitution without a bill of rights.
• Democratic-Republicans: A leading member of the Democratic-Republicans, the dominant political party of his era.
• Slaveholder: Monroe was a lifelong slaveholder, which influenced his views and policies on slavery.

Impact on the Country

• Expansion of Territory: Monroe oversaw significant territorial expansion through the Adams-Onis Treaty and the Louisiana Purchase.
• Nationalism & Unity: His presidency fostered a sense of national unity and purpose in the aftermath of the War of 1812, contributing to the “Era of Good Feelings”.
• Foreign Policy: The Monroe Doctrine established a long-lasting principle of American foreign policy, shaping the nation’s role in the Western Hemisphere.
• Sectionalism: While aiming for unity, the Missouri Compromise, passed during his term, highlighted the growing divisions over slavery, setting the stage for future conflict.