James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States. Monroe held several important positions and played a significant role in the movement for independence from British rule. When Monroe was sixteen years old, he joined the Continental Army to fight in the American Revolution. As a soldier, he fought in significant battles in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Monroe was wounded in action at Trenton New Jersey. He knew General Washington when he fought with him at Valley Forge.
After his military service, Monroe studied law under the tutelage of Thomas Jefferson. Historians believe Jefferson was a mentor to Monroe, and they developed a strong personal friendship over the years (evidenced by the purchase of a farm by Monroe adjacent to Jefferson's beloved Monticello estate).
He and James Madison collaborated on the Constitution. Monroe had a disagreement with Madison over language giving the federal government too much power, in his view. Monroe served in several elected and appointed government posts before running for president against Madison. Madison defeated Monroe in a bitterly fought contest. In 1816 Monroe easily defeated Rufus King to become the fifth President of the United States.
James Monroe is remembered in history as a soldier, statesmen, and as president and creator the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine effectively prohibited European interference and attempts at colonization of the American continent (inclusive of South America and any US territories). The Monroe Doctrine and James Monroe's presidency ushered in a new era of US expansion in world affairs and a push for westward development in continental America.
https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/james-monroe
https://www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/james-monroe
No comments:
Post a Comment