President 5 of 47

James Monroe

1817–1825 · Democratic-Republican · Virginia

He told Europe: the Western Hemisphere is not yours to colonize.

Lived: 1758–1831
Vice president: Daniel D. Tompkins
Nickname: The Last Cocked Hat
Home state: Virginia

“The American continents… are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization.”
Monroe Doctrine, 1823 (shortened)

The story

James Monroe was the fifth president of the United States. His nickname, the Last Cocked Hat, meant he was the last Revolutionary War officer to become president. He still wore the old Revolutionary style.

His time in office is nicknamed the Era of Good Feelings. The Federalist Party had faded, and Monroe was hugely popular. In the election of 1820, Monroe was almost unopposed.

He is best known for the Monroe Doctrine. In 1823 he told Europe to stay out of new colonies in the Americas. The United States would guard the Western Hemisphere.

Why it matters

The Monroe Doctrine told the world the United States would guard the Western Hemisphere.

Know this for the quiz

The questions come from this page — the story, these facts, the quote, and the labels up top.

Florida became American during his presidency. Spain ceded it in the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819.
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 kept a balance of free and slave states when Missouri joined. Missouri joined as a slave state and Maine as a free state.
Four of the first five presidents came from Virginia. That streak is called the Virginia Dynasty. Adams of Massachusetts was the exception.
John Quincy Adams was Monroe’s secretary of state and a main helper on the Monroe Doctrine. He later became the sixth president.
Monroe died on July 4, 1831 — the third president to die on Independence Day.
The Panic of 1819 was an early nationwide money crash. Banks failed and hard times spread, even in the Era of Good Feelings.
He served two full terms, from 1817 to 1825, then retired — following Washington’s example that a president is not a king.
He was so popular in 1820 that he almost ran unopposed. One elector voted for someone else so Washington would remain the only unanimous president.

Fun fact

In the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware, young officer Monroe is shown holding the flag near Washington. He was wounded at the Battle of Trenton.

Check for understanding

20 questions from the lesson above. Misses come with a short explanation — then the lesson is yours.

Question 1 of 20

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The story

Why it matters

Check for understanding

James Monroe was which numbered president?