The Origin and Purpose of the Monroe Doctrine

            The Monroe Doctrine, written by James Monroe, was a bold statement by a young United States. The Monroe Doctrine, although an insignificant document at the time it was written, made a huge impact on the course of history.

             James Monroe, the author of the Monroe Doctrine, was the fifth President of the United States and one of the last presidents from Virginia; some historians even call him the last of the cocked hats. After two years at the College of William and Mary, Monroe went off to fight in the American Revolution. Monroe fought in the Battle of Trenton and was even one of the heroes of the battle. After earning the respect of George Washington, Monroe studied law under Thomas Jefferson, who was the governor of Virginia at the time. Monroe"s ascension up the political ladder began in 1782, when he served on the Virginia legislature. After serving on the on the Virginia legislature, Monroe held the following positions: delegate to the Continental Congress, member of the Virginia ratifying convention, United States Senator, minister to France, governor of Virginia, one of the leaders of the Democratic-Republican party, secretary of war, and President of the United States of America. M!.

             onroe won the elections of 1816 and 1820 in overwhelming fashion. Partisan accord was one of Monroe"s great accomplishments. Other accomplishments by Monroe, during his presidency include, the Rush-Bagot Treaty, which demilitarized the United States-Canada border, the Adams-Onis Treaty, which purchased Florida from Spain, .

             the Russo-American Treaty, which prohibited Russian expansion down the Pacific coast, and the Monroe Doctrine, the statement that prevented European colonization of the Americas. Monroe"s deeds made his time in power to be known as the Era of Good Feelings. .

             One historian describes Monroe as less heroic than Washington, less brilliant than Madison, less creative than Jefferson, less charismatic than Alexander Hamilton, and less learned that the Adamses, Monroe was nevertheless the prototype of the public servant vital to the new republic: honest, hardworking, self-sacrificing, judicious, and trusting in democracy.

Related Essays: