James Monroe

James Monroe was born on April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Spence and Elizabeth Monroe.

In 1775, James Monroe enlisted in the Third Virginia Infantry and fought under George Washington’s command during the Revolutionary War.

James Monroe was wounded during the Battle of Trenton, which was a pivotal battle during the Revolutionary War.

In June 1778, James Monroe participated in the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey.

In the spring of 1780, James Monroe returned to Williamsburg and met Governor Thomas Jefferson, with whom he began to study the law in Richmond.

On May 28, 1794, James Monroe was appointed as the minister to France.

On December 30, 1796, James Monroe's mission to France ended.

Signed the Monroe-Pinkney Treaty with Great Britain in 1806, aiming to improve trade relations and resolve outstanding issues between the two countries.

James Monroe was appointed as Secretary of State by President James Madison on April 2, 1811. He assumed duty on April 6, 1811, and served until March 3.

In 1812, Monroe, along with President Madison, persuaded Congress to declare war against Great Britain due to offensive British policies. The war declaration was issued on June 17, 1812.

On August 27, 1814, the individual was appointed as the Secretary of War, taking on the responsibilities of the office at this time.

From March 15, 1815, the individual served concurrently as the Secretary of War and the Secretary of State, managing the duties of both positions simultaneously.

James Monroe was inaugurated as the fifth President of the United States on March 4, 1817.

On April 28, 1817, the Rush-Bagot Agreement was signed during James Monroe's presidency.

James Monroe tours eastern states and territories including Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Michigan, Vermont, and Ohio to promote national unity between Democratic-Republicans and Federalists. The tour is regarded as the beginning of the 'Era of Good Feelings,' a period characterized by a sense of national purpose and a desire for unity among Americans after the War of 1812.

James Monroe authorizes three diplomats to go to South America to gather information about the governments in a letter to the acting Secretary of State.

Monroe enunciates a policy of neutrality towards Latin American colonies seeking independence and advocates the controversial Aguirre Mission to Buenos Aires, which could be seen as recognition for the colony's sovereignty.

President signs Joint Resolution declaring Illinois as the 21st state of the United States.

Rep. James Tallmadge Jr. from New York proposed two amendments to a Missouri Statehood Bill, sparking a heated debate on slavery. One amendment aimed to restrict further slavery in Missouri, while the other sought to establish a timeline for freeing enslaved individuals already in the territory.

An act (3 Stat 532) is signed, authorizing the Navy to patrol and implement more control to combat the importation of slaves after its abolition. The act aimed to return African slaves who had been brought to the U.S. illegally after the abolition of the slave trade in 1808.

James Monroe writes to Secretary of War Calhoun seeking authorization for financing an expedition to the mouth of the Yellowstone River.

James Monroe signs an act (3 Stat 608) admitting Alabama as the 22nd state of the United States.

James Monroe signs an act (3 Stat 544) admitting Maine as a free state into the Union.

The Missouri Compromise was signed by President James Monroe, admitting Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state. It also restricted slavery to territories south of the latitude 36º30' north.

Maine was admitted as the twenty-third state of the Union, resolving the Missouri Crisis.

The Missouri Compromise was signed on March 17, 1820. It aimed to maintain a legislative balance between the pro-slavery South and anti-slavery North by delineating which states would be free and which would not. It also involved the admission of Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slaveholding state.

In a Special Message to the House on May 15, 1820, James Monroe pointed out an agreement reached in 1802 with the State of Georgia to 'extinguish the Indian title to all lands within Georgia.' He requested funding to negotiate a treaty with the Creek Indians to return property to citizens of Georgia.

Monroe wins 98.3% of the Electoral College vote after running effectively unopposed, reflecting the 'era of good feelings.'

President Monroe signs and proclaims the Adams-Onis Treaty (Transcontinental Treaty) and asks for Congressional implementation.

Monroe secures reelection as President of the United States, receiving 231 electoral votes to John Quincy Adams's 1. Vice President Tompkins will also serve a second term.

Monroe signs the Military Establishment Act to reduce the Army's manpower by 40 percent to 6,126 men. The move reflects a shift in national priorities toward commerce and negotiation, and away from intimidation, as the primary tool of foreign policy.

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas, announced by President James Monroe on December 2, 1823.

Cherokee chiefs arrived in Washington, D.C., to protest the government's removal policies and advocate for their sovereign right to remain in Georgia. Despite initially supporting the Cherokee, Monroe later changed his position on the matter.

The Seventh Annual Message to Congress in 1824 articulated the Monroe Doctrine, stating that the United States would recognize existing colonies in the Western Hemisphere, close the Western Hemisphere to future colonization, and would not interfere in the internal affairs of or wars between European powers. It also declared that any attempt by a European power to control any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be seen as a hostile act against the United States. The doctrine received a positive reception in Congress.

The president signs the General Survey Act, which authorized the president to order surveys of routes for roads and canals of national importance.

On August 6, 1824, James Monroe delivered his annual message containing the Monroe Doctrine.

Monroe signs the Tariff of 1824 into law, introducing protectionist measures to support local manufactures and goods. This leads to concerns in the South, particularly among cotton-growers who fear British retaliation due to the increase in price. However, Northern manufacturers are pleased with the law.

In a Special Message to Congress, President recommended the removal of Indian tribes from their current lands to the country lying westward and northward within the acknowledged boundaries of the US. The message emphasized the impossibility of incorporating them into the existing system and suggested their relocation to prevent degradation and extermination.

James Monroe's presidency ended on March 4, 1825. He served two terms as President.

On September 23, 1830, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe passed away.

On July 4, 1831, James Monroe passed away in New York.