The Achievements of President James Monroe

James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States (1817–1825), is best known for the Monroe Doctrine, a landmark in American foreign policy, but his achievements extend well beyond this doctrine. His presidency, often referred to as the "Era of Good Feelings," was marked by national unity, economic growth, and westward expansion. Monroe’s achievements in domestic and foreign policy played a crucial role in shaping the nation and laid the groundwork for the United States' future as a continental power. The Monroe Doctrine, introduced in 1823 during his annual message to Congress. The doctrine stated that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to future European colonization and that any attempt by European powers to influence or control nations in the Americas would be seen as an act of aggression against the United States. The Monroe Doctrine was initially motivated by a desire to protect the newly independent Latin American states from European intervention. Although the doctrine had limited immediate impact, as the United States was not yet powerful enough to enforce it, it set a precedent for American foreign policy and became a cornerstone of U.S. interactions with Latin America. Over time, the Monroe Doctrine evolved into a fundamental principle of American policy, symbolizing a commitment to defending the Western Hemisphere from external influence. It established a clear sphere of influence for the United States and laid the groundwork for future policies, such as the Roosevelt Corollary and the Good Neighbor Policy. Monroe’s doctrine marked the beginning of the United States’ rise as a regional power in the Americas, and its influence is still evident in modern foreign policy.

Monroe’s presidency is often called the "Era of Good Feelings" due to the decline of partisan divisions and the emergence of a sense of national unity following the War of 1812. Monroe made a conscious effort to promote unity across the nation, exemplified by his goodwill tours across the country, which helped him connect with citizens and foster a sense of shared purpose. Monroe’s tours aimed to bridge the gap between regions and promote national identity, a significant achievement during a time when sectional tensions were a persistent threat to stability. One of Monroe’s successes in this regard was his ability to dissolve partisan conflict, at least temporarily. After the collapse of the Federalist Party, the United States experienced a period of one-party rule under the Democratic-Republicans, reducing the fierce partisanship that had characterized earlier administrations. Although divisions over issues like slavery would resurface later, Monroe's emphasis on unity and national identity helped ease political tensions and allowed the country to focus on economic growth and territorial expansion.

Monroe’s presidency also saw significant economic growth, fueled by the American System advocated by his Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, and Speaker of the House, Henry Clay. The American System aimed to strengthen the nation’s economy through three main pillars: a protective tariff, a national bank, and federal funding for infrastructure projects, such as roads and canals. Monroe supported many aspects of the American System, which helped foster economic development and increased domestic production. The Tariff of 1816 was enacted under Monroe's administration, providing protection for American industries against foreign competition and encouraging the growth of the nation’s manufacturing sector. Monroe also oversaw the establishment of the Second Bank of the United States, which played a crucial role in stabilizing the nation’s currency and providing credit to support industrial expansion. Furthermore, Monroe supported infrastructure improvements, which facilitated trade and economic integration between the states, contributing to a more interconnected national economy. Although Monroe harbored constitutional concerns about federal involvement in infrastructure projects, his administration laid the groundwork for federal economic involvement and contributed to the growth of a market economy in the United States. The economic expansion during Monroe’s presidency helped increase national wealth and reduced dependence on European goods, promoting greater self-sufficiency.

Monroe’s administration was instrumental in expanding the United States’ territory. One of his significant achievements was the acquisition of Florida from Spain in 1819 through the Adams-Onís Treaty (also known as the Transcontinental Treaty). After years of conflict with Spain and tensions along the border, the United States gained control of Florida, securing its southern border and eliminating a potential source of European influence in North America. The acquisition of Florida was part of Monroe’s broader commitment to westward expansion and the consolidation of U.S. territory. The Adams-Onís Treaty also established a clear boundary between Spanish territory and the United States along the Sabine River in Texas and up to the Pacific Northwest, giving the U.S. a defined border that extended its influence to the Pacific Ocean. This expansionist policy provided more land for settlement, bolstered national security, and set the stage for further westward movement in subsequent decades.

During Monroe’s presidency, the issue of slavery emerged as a divisive issue with the admission of Missouri as a state. To maintain the balance between free and slave states, Congress passed the Missouri Compromise in 1820. The compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while admitting Maine as a free state to maintain the balance in the Senate. Additionally, it established the 36°30′ latitude line, north of which slavery would be prohibited in future states formed from the Louisiana Purchase territory (except for Missouri itself). The Missouri Compromise was a temporary solution to the contentious issue of slavery, but it highlighted the growing sectional divide between the North and the South. Monroe’s handling of the crisis helped to maintain the Union and delay the conflict over slavery, although it was only a temporary fix. The compromise allowed the nation to continue expanding westward without immediate disruption, but it foreshadowed the eventual divisions that would lead to the Civil War.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.