James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1758 (3). Only a few years after participating in the American fight for independence, he began his lifelong political career. From 1782 until 1825, Monroe almost consistently occupied some form of public office. His industrious career included four terms as the governor of Virginia, services as both secretary of state and secretary of war and several foreign minister positions (4). Monroe served two terms as the United States president, during which his administration acquired territory such as Florida settled several territorial disputes and presented the Monroe Doctrine- possibly his most important achievement. Throughout this lengthy period of public service, Monroe displayed a steadfast dedication and skill for foreign affairs(4). Although considered the last of the reign of “Virginia Presidents”, Monroe helped expand America far past its previous boundaries of Founding Fathers and original colonies and create the United States as a significant participant in world events.

Monroe’s early diplomatic activities were, in many ways, surprisingly unsuccessful. His first appointment as minister to France in 1794 was mildly fruitful as both Monroe and the French had a type of mutual sympathy for the other’s cause (3). During his trip two years later, however, he was unable to warm the French up to the unpopular Jay’s Treaty(3). Appointments to Spain and Britain in 1804 and 1806 were equally unsuccessful, due partially to wartime hostilities(4). Without a doubt, the most outstanding achievement of his pre-presidential political activity was his assistance in the Louisiana Purchase. Monroe and Robert Livingston negotiated this 828,000 land purchase from the French in 1803(2). The deal was a major event in placing the United States as a nation large enough to participate in world affairs. It was this type of success that would be evident in Monroe’s later diplomatic activities as the president.

After years of working up the ladder of political notoriety, Monroe earned enough popularity and experience to be elected as the Republican President in 1816. He selected the able John Quincy Adams as his secretary of state, a relationship that proved beneficial for both parties(2). A year into the Monroe administration, the Rush Bagot Treaty of 1817 was negotiated through Secretary of State Richard Rush and British minister Charles Bagot(5). The terms ended the naval arms race between the two countries that was arising on the Great Lakes by limiting the number of naval forces on the lakes. Similarly the Treaty of 1818 created a mutual agreement regarding territory on the cusp of American and Canada. The pact allowed Americans to share Newfoundland fisheries and enjoy joint occupation of the Oregon Country with Canadians(2). These two agreements allowed the later development of the world’s largest unfortified border: a 5,527 mile stretch between Canada and the United States(5) . The Convention of 1818 also set the boundary of the Louisiana Purchase along the 49th parallel, extending the American limits slightly (3).

Despite the settlements with Britain regarding Canada, a major trade issue between the two powers kept them divided. British control in the West Indies routinely blocked American ships after the War of 1812, keeping them from the rich economic windows for sugar and other products common to the region. Counter actively, The Navigation Act was instated in 1817 to restrict importation of West Indies products to American and West Indies owned vessels(5). Three years later, Monroe approved an act of total non-intercourse, blocking all trade with Britain or its colonies(5), an effective countermove that proved at least a small threat to the empire

Another expansion also arrived in the year 1818 with the possession of Florida. Spain had previously controlled the southeastern panhandle, which had proved costly for the United States during times of conflict. After a slave revolt in 1816, fighting erupted between whites and Seminoles (Creek refuges)(5). A year later many of the Seminole refuges escaped across the border into Florida(5). General Andrew Jackson, a renowned Indian fighter, and Secretary of War William Calhoun, pressured Monroe for permission to attack the Spanish in Florida and acquire the territory(2). Unofficial word came with a letter from a representative by the name of John Rhea. Although Monroe denied any association with the Rhea letter (5), a brief scuffle in Florida began. After only four months, Jackson had taken possession of the peninsula. Spain agreed to cede the lost region the next year in the Florida Purchase Act, as well as abandoning vague claims in Oregon.

During this time of American growth, rapid change began to occur in Europe as well. A general disdain for democracy spread across the European powers, who quickly joined together to prevent revolutions and continue the reign of monarchy. Revolts in both Italy and Spain were quickly ended, and many Americans feared that it was only a short matter of time before the band of autocracy spread across the Atlantic(2). The threat cast a shadow over newborn republics in Latin America, and consequently, the democracy of the continents northern region fell under the same looming danger. However, Great Britain, benefitted by the economic boost of revolution in Latin America, did not join the other European powers in the conquest against it. Rather they encouraged it and contacted the American minister in 1823 about allying to protect the new republics(2). When the startled minister contacted Washington about the unusual proposition, it threw the temperamental Secretary Adams into a fit. Seeing the invitation as scheme to protect British territory, Adams fought against any such alliance. Simultaneously, the Spanish king was restored to power, and the possibility of the throne attempting to once again become an American force arrived with the newly crowned monarch(5). Adams began to push for a completely stand against any restoration of European colonies. Adam’s realistic views took hold in the president, and would appear in the most renowned and significant chapter in Monroe’s political history, a message that would become known as Monroe’s Doctrine.

The Monroe Doctrine was originally presented as the annual presidential address to Congress in 1823. Combining Adam’s views on the present situation and his own strong nationalism, Monroe presented two major United States policies: non-colonization and nonintervention(2). He stated that the US would not interfere with current European colonies or affairs. He also blocked the entire American continent from intervention of the European powers regarding colonization or political influence. ȁWe owe it...to..those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety(1).” summed up the new isolation and nationalism presented by President Monroe. Its immediate effects were rather small but this doctrine would become an important part of American policy by the mid century, and be a reference during later wars like the Spanish American. It reflected the new nationalism that had developed in the growing US(2), promoted the country as a world power(1), and lead to a degree of isolationism in later years. Monroe’s Doctrine would become a definitive part of American history and Monroe’s career.

In 1825, Monroe retired from politics and moved to Oak Hill estate(1). He died six years later, only a brief time in his life spent out of office(1). During that lifetime, James Monroe had proved himself and able politician with a flair for foreign affairs. He would be forever remembered through his 1823 address which would help define American nationalism and foreign policy. His diplomacy and dedication to his country had helped America expand both in territory and worldwide impact. James Monroe was truly a lifelong diplomat and patriot.

Bibliography

1. “A Vision for the Hemisphre” 1817-1823 (From Philip Kunhardt Jr., et. Al., The American President. New York: Riverhead Books, 1999. pg 306-311.

2. Cohen, Lindsay, et. al. The American Pageant. Ed. Jean L. Woy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Pg 240-256.

3. Information Please Database. “James Monroe” <http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0760590.html> March 5, 2005.

4. Padover, Saul K. The Genius of America. <http://gllatindesign.com/websites/presidents/biographies/05_monroe_bio.html> March 3, 2005.

5. Shi, David E. and Tindall, George Brown. ȁGood Feelings.” America: A Narrative History. New York: W .W Norton & Company, 1999. 414-432.