James Monroe

Birth-Death: (1758 - 1831 ) Term: (1817-1825 )

In his State of the Union address, President Monroe declared that the American continents were forever free and independent from European Powers. This statement became known as the Monroe Doctrine. It's announcement, along with the defeat of the British in the war of 1812, presented the United States as a world power.

Foreign Events of James Monroe

    Monroe enjoyed a peaceful Europe during his presidency. The Napoleon era was over, and the once triumphant leader was living his last days at St. Helena. There was general peace in the entire world.

    The United States was growing at a phenomenal pace and was looking to expand its borders. The country now occupied all of the land east of the Rocky Mountains and South of the Great Lakes except for Florida and Spanish Mexico. Florida was not only a very favorable piece of land for commerce, but it was also home for hostile Native Americans.

    In the spring of 1818, under the leadership of general Andrew Jackson, hostile Indians were pursued deep into Florida. After Jackson took Pensacola the public labeled him a hero and Monroe had no choice left but to annex Florida. He acted diplomatically though, two envoys were sent to Europe and in 1819 the United States and Spain had reached an agreement. Florida was sold to the US for $5 million, and the United States gave up any claims to Mexican territory. The Spanish Step line was established and marked a definite boundary between the United States' Louisiana Territory and Spanish Mexico.

    As Monroe realized the power of the American Army, he made an bold move and in his state of the Union Address to Congress in 1823 he revealed a new foreign policy. He stated that he opposed further colonization of nations in South and Central Americas and that any European force planning to colonize the Americas would be considered as threatening to the United States and appropriate actions would be taken. This statement, now known as the Monroe Doctrine shocked the world and demonstrated that the United States was now ready to become a world power.