# James Monroe

> president of the United States from 1817 to 1825 (1758–1831)

**Wikidata**: [Q11815](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11815)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/james-monroe

## Summary
James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. Born in 1758, he is best known for his leadership during the War of 1812 and the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine, which established U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas. His presidency marked a period of economic growth and territorial expansion, including the acquisition of Florida and the admission of new states.

## Biography
- Born: April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia
- Nationality: American
- Education: College of William & Mary (attended but did not graduate)
- Known for: Fifth U.S. president, author of the Monroe Doctrine, leader during the War of 1812
- Employer(s): None (politician)
- Field(s): Politics, diplomacy, governance

## Contributions
- **Monroe Doctrine (1823)**: Established U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas, shaping 19th-century foreign policy.
- **Admission of New States**: Oversaw the admission of Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, and Maine into the Union.
- **Territorial Expansion**: Acquired Florida from Spain in 1819, expanding U.S. territory.
- **Economic Growth**: Signed the Second Bank of the United States into law, stabilizing the economy.
- **Diplomatic Leadership**: Negotiated the Adams-Onís Treaty with Spain, securing Florida and defining the U.S.-Mexico border.

## FAQs
**What was James Monroe's most significant foreign policy achievement?**
Monroe's most significant foreign policy achievement was the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, which declared U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas and became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

**How did Monroe's presidency impact U.S. territorial expansion?**
Monroe's presidency saw the acquisition of Florida from Spain in 1819 and the admission of several new states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, and Maine, expanding the nation's territory and influence.

**What role did Monroe play in the War of 1812?**
Monroe served as a U.S. diplomat during the War of 1812, negotiating treaties and defending American interests, though he did not hold military command.

**What economic policies did Monroe implement?**
Monroe signed the Second Bank of the United States into law, stabilizing the economy and promoting financial stability during his presidency.

**How did Monroe's presidency influence American diplomacy?**
Monroe's presidency set the foundation for U.S. diplomacy, particularly through the Monroe Doctrine, which shaped U.S. foreign policy for decades and influenced global power dynamics.

## Why They Matter
James Monroe's presidency was pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy and territorial expansion. The Monroe Doctrine, formulated during his term, became a defining principle of American diplomacy, deterring European intervention in the Americas. His leadership during the War of 1812 and the acquisition of Florida expanded U.S. influence, while the admission of new states strengthened the nation's economic and political stability. Monroe's policies and decisions laid the groundwork for 19th-century American expansionism and global leadership.

## Notable For
- **Fifth U.S. President**: Served from 1817 to 1825, known for his diplomatic and territorial achievements.
- **Author of the Monroe Doctrine**: Established U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas.
- **Acquisition of Florida**: Secured Florida from Spain in 1819, expanding U.S. territory.
- **Admission of New States**: Oversaw the admission of Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, and Maine into the Union.
- **Economic Stabilization**: Signed the Second Bank of the United States into law, promoting financial stability.
- **Diplomatic Leadership**: Negotiated key treaties, including the Adams-Onís Treaty with Spain.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He attended the College of William & Mary but did not graduate, instead pursuing a legal career. Monroe served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and later as a U.S. diplomat during the War of 1812.

### Political Career
Monroe's political career began with his service in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He later became a U.S. diplomat, negotiating treaties and defending American interests during the War of 1812. His diplomatic skills and leadership were instrumental in securing U.S. interests abroad.

### Presidency (1817–1825)
Monroe's presidency was marked by significant territorial and diplomatic achievements. He oversaw the admission of new states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Illinois, and Maine, expanding the nation's political and economic influence. The acquisition of Florida from Spain in 1819 further solidified U.S. territorial claims.

### Foreign Policy and the Monroe Doctrine
One of Monroe's most enduring contributions was the formulation of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. This policy declared U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas and became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. The doctrine shaped global power dynamics and influenced American diplomacy for generations.

### Economic Policies
Monroe implemented economic policies aimed at stabilizing the nation's finances. He signed the Second Bank of the United States into law, promoting financial stability and economic growth. These policies contributed to the nation's economic prosperity during his presidency.

### Legacy and Influence
James Monroe's legacy is deeply intertwined with U.S. foreign policy and territorial expansion. The Monroe Doctrine remains a defining principle of American diplomacy, while his presidency laid the groundwork for 19th-century American leadership. Monroe's achievements continue to shape U.S. global influence and national identity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
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