James Monroe was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1758. Monroe attended the College of William and Mary and fought with distinction in the Continental Army. He also practiced law in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Monroe joined the anti-federalists in the Virginia Convention which ratified the Constitution. Later, Monroe, along with Robert R. Livingston, would negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, the largest purchase of land from another colony in the world. Thomas Jefferson also played a major role in the Louisiana Purchase.
His ambition and energy, together with the backing of President Madison, made him the perfect Republican choice for presidency in 1816. With little federal opposition, he easily won re-election in 1820. Monroe is noted for making unusually strong Cabinet choices, naming a southerner, John C. Calhoun as Secretary of War and a northerner, John Quincy Adams, as Secretary of State. Only Henry Clay's refusal kept Monroe from adding a westerner to his Cabinet.
Monroe made many strong decisions during his presidency and made John Quincy Adams' presidency fairly easy.
Fun Facts:
- James Monroe was the third president do die on the 4th of July.
- He was the last of the founding fathers to become president.
- He was a descendant of King Edward III, the king of England.
James Monroe:
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