James Monroe: Soldier, Attorney, President

James Monroe was born in 1758 in Virginia. After serving in the Revolutionary War, he studied law with Thomas Jefferson and became an attorney. Politically, Monroe was an anti-federalist along with Jefferson, Mason, and Henry: He became one of the first members of the Democratic-Republican party. The anti-federalists believed that the proposed constitution would give too much power to the federal government at the expense of the states. He opposed ratification of the proposed constitution, never signing it, and became a Virginia Senator in 1790.

He was elected governor of Virginia and served from 1799-1802. In 1816, Monroe was elected to the presidency, a post he would hold for two terms. His election effectively marked the end of the Federalist Party's influence in American politics.

As president, he formulated the important diplomatic policy now known as the Monroe doctrine. Monroe boldly declared that the Americas, "by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Power." During Monroe's presidency, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. At that time, the militia of the states was estimated to be 800,000 men - infantry, artillery, and cavalry.

Monroe characterized American policy even further, outlining what would become the isolationist policy that worked until World War II: "In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, not does it comport with our policy so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defence."

Monroe was religious, and some of his comments relating to public office delineate the wall that separates church and state: "With a firm reliance on the protection of Almighty God, I shall forthwith commence the duties of the high trust to which you have called me."

According to Monroe, "The best form of government is that which is most likely to prevent the greatest sum of evil."

Despite this belief, Monroe owned slaves. He summarized the views of many early Americans on the slavery issue: "We perceive an existing evil [in the United States]... and we acknowledge the extreme difficulty of remedying it."

Monroe died on July 4, 1831.