Monroe, James

Monroe, James (1758–1831), senator, diplomat, secretary of state, secretary of war, and fifth president of the United States.While at William and Mary in 1776, Monroe was commissioned an infantry lieutenant in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. He subsequently rose to lieutenant colonel, serving with the Continental army in the battles of Long Island, New York; Trenton (where he was severely wounded); Brandywine; and the Battle of Monmouth.

In 1782, Monroe entered the Virginia House of Delegates; later he held positions in the Continental Congress (1783–86) and U.S. Senate (1790–93), and as governor of Virginia (1799–1802 and 1811). In 1793–96, he was U.S. minister to France, returning there in 1803 to help negotiate the Louisiana Purchase. Thereafter he served as minister in London and Madrid until 1807.

Monroe became secretary of state and a leading advocate for the diplomatic and military policies of James Madison's administration in 1811. As acting secretary of war during the winter of 1812–13 and secretary of war, October 1814–March 1815, he shaped U.S. manpower policies during the War of 1812.

Monroe's presidency (1817–25) contributed significantly to national defense and security. The 1819 Adams‐Onís Treaty (or Transcontinental Treaty) acquired the Floridas, established clear boundaries for the Louisiana Purchase, and extended U.S. territory to the Pacific. His annual message of 1823, subsequently known as the Monroe Doctrine, laid the foundation for U.S. diplomatic hegemony in the Americas. His administrations improved the efficiency of the army and began the professionalization of its officer corps. In 1825, Monroe retired to New York City; he died on 4 July 1831.
[See also Army, U.S.: 1783–1865; Commander in Chief, President as; Revolutionary War: Military and Diplomatic Course.]

Bibliography

William P. Cresson , James Monroe, 1946.
Harry Ammon , James Monroe: The Quest for National Identity, 1971.

J. C. A. Stagg