What did James Monroe like as a child?

Answer 1

James Monroe faced several hardships during his time as American president. The country suffered from economic turmoil and the absence of a party system increased the president's difficulties.

Answer 2

President: James Monroe (1758 - 1831)

Term: March 4, 1817 - March 4, 1825

Background: Monroe was born into a slave holding family. His parents were Spence Monroe who was a woodworker and a tobacco farmer, and Elizabeth Jones Monroe who had several land holdings. Monroe was born in Westmoreland Country, Virginia. He went to school at Cambelltown Academy, and then attended the College of William and Mary. Monroe then served in the Continental Army after graduating from College. Monroe was shot in his left shoulder at the Battle of Trenton. After finishing his time in the army, he went to Fredericksburg, Virginia to practice law. In 1782, Monroe was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and served in the Continental Congress from 1783 to 1786. In 1790, he was elected United States Senator then served from 1794 to 1796 as the Minister to France. Once Monroe was out of office, he returned to Virginia to practice law and was then elected governor from 1799 to 1802. Monroe was elected to another term of governor of Virginia in 1811, but resigned within a few months. He was elected as Secretary of State from 1811 to 1814. He was also appointed Secretary of War in 1814. In 1815, Monroe was assigned permanent Secretary of State, leaving his position of Secretary of War. Monroe continued his term of Secretary of State until his election into presidency in 1817.

Political Party: Democratic-Republican

Vice-President: Daniel D. Tompkins

Major Domestic Policy: Monroe was in office during the "Era of Good Feelings," after the Hartford Convention because of the fact that the Federalist Party was basically diminished. Sectionalism began to develop and the country starting dividing and created regional lines. As the Missouri compromise came about, it divided the United States between the North who was slave free, and the South who still used slaves. Another result of the Missouri Compromise was Missouri became a slave state and Maine became a free state in order to keep the ratio of slave to free state even. In 1824 tariff was then created which increased the protective rates, which were already high. The North was for this tariff because the newly created industries needed protection from Europe. The South strongly disagreed with this tariff because of the fact that it created complications with trade. Since both the North and the South where in conflict, this created power in the West section. Henry Clay from the West agreed with the tariff and was able to get it passed stating that the revenue would help with the development of the West. The South still opposed this tariff, while the rest of the country was for it.

Major Foreign Policy: During Monroe's time in office, Europe remained passive, which allowed Monroe to not have to worry about Europe. America was now looking into expanding its boarders because of the fact that it was constantly growing and needed more room for creation. The Rush-Bagot Treaty was signed and enacted in 1817 between the United States and the United Kingdom. It declared for the removal of all military forces out of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, which consisted of many British forts. This treaty was created in hopes of bettering a relationship between the United States and Britain following the War of 1812. Another result of the treaty was that the United States and Britain agreed over dual control of the Oregon Territory. In 1818, the army, led by Andrew Jackson had pushed Indians deep into Florida. Since Jackson had taken the Pensacola, Monroe then had no choice but to incorporate it as part the United States. He sent to messengers to Europe in 1819 and created an agreement with Spain. America was bought for $5 million, and gave up any claims to the Mexican territory. A Spanish line was created between Spanish Mexico and the Louisiana Territory, which was established through the Adams-Onis Treaty. This created Monroe to realize how powerful the American army really was. Monroe created a new foreign policy in the Union Address to Congress in 1823, which ended more colonization of nations in South and Central Americas. Then, Monroe also stated that if Europe where to try and create a colony in these locations, actions would be taken to end the creation of their colony.

Court Case:

• Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1818)-In 1816, the legislature of New Hampshire tried to change Dartmouth College into a state university. It was declared that the state legislature could not change the charter of the school.

• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)-The Court stated that Congress had the power to create a bank but the state of Maryland was invading the rights of people from other states when it placed taxes on the bank and addressed National Supremacy.

• Anderson v. Dunn (1821)-Stated that Congress had the right to punish nonmembers of the Congress.

• Cohens v. Virginia (1821)-This case was based on whether the Supreme Court had the power to review the acts of the Virginia Supreme Court's ruling under the Constitution.

• Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)-Questioned if New York had gone beyond its powers that were exclusively given to Congress, when it granted two individuals the right to operate steamboats in an area where others had to pay a fee, and addressed the commerce clause.

• Osborn v. Bank of the United States (1824)-This case petitioned whether the fact that by the state of Ohio violated the 11th amendment when it levied taxes on the bank in Ohio.

Intellectual and Social Developments:

• The government became republican, leading to government of the people; government for the people; government by the people, resulting from the Revolutionary War.

• The War of 1812 resulted in America feeling strong and a gained nationalism, and also created the Monroe Doctrine, which stated that American's were to be left alone from Britain and that they weren't in any way, subjects under the British rule.

• Slavery was extinguished in the north. Power was denied to slaves, free blacks, women, and poor white men because of the republican creed that placed authority in the family and society in the hands of property owning men. Established churches were abolished by New England.

• The Second Great Awakening being shaping the American cultures. Native American's were still living in their own communities and tribes, black Americans were developing a new culture on their own, and the whites were strong religious believers. Political institutions began to unite Americans. Being an American for the white population meant being a republican, a Protestant.

Monroe's Legacy: Monroe was known for trying to keep the country calm and out of conflict and create the "Era of Good Feelings." He was great at combining viewpoints, which helped toward peacefulness. He was the President who aided the United States with the domestic affairs while pulling away from Britain and created the Monroe Doctrine, which helped the effort of creating peace. He was known for his honest, moral character and his straightforwardness. He always impressed that people he met within an instant. Although he was able to create a firm foreign policy, he still was not able to fully take care of all domestic issues that arise such as sectional issues. He didn't stand much comparison towards are four founding fathers that were in office before him, which created people to not remember the importance of Monroe. He was one of the most prepared Presidents to take office. He had a very important political life, thus he took office in many different seats such as a Senator, Governor, Foreign Minister and Secretary of State. When he picked his cabinet members, he was able to draw out of the large crowd the best America could get which includes Thomas Jefferson. Him and Thomas Jefferson and all of his other office members worked well together. Monroe also encouraged the construction in the west undeveloped land. This later on caused a growth in the American economy.

Answer 3

the thing most important in his life is fighting in the revolutionary war,and defeating britain.that's the most important thing in his life.

Answer 4

The Monroe Doctrine, the Missouri Compromise, and Florida being ceded to the United States.

Answer 5

he went to school for 5 years then studied law

Answer 6

james monroe was the last of the Virginia dynasty

Answer 7

Little is known.