Liam+L.

James Monroe

I am famous for the Monroe Doctorine. Can you guess who I am? I am James Monroe and I am here to tell you about my life. First let's talk about my childhood. I was born in Westmoreland County, Virgina on April 28, 1758. I had to do chores like most of you. I had to hunt for my food which none of you probably have to do! I was the oldest of four boys and had one older sister. Next, I will talk about my family. My mother was Elizabeth Jones Monroe. My father was Spence Monroe. My sister was Elizabeth and my brothers were Spence, who died age one, Andrew and Joseph Monroe. Later I married Elizabeth Kortright and together we had two daughters named Elizabeth and Maria.

Now, let me tell you about my education, military service and work in politics. My mother was my teacher until we had more children and my parents decided to hire a tutor. I attended Campbelltown Academy for my secondary schooling. After I graduated from the Academy, I was enrolled at the College of William and Mary for a few years. I did not get a degree from William and Mary because I dropped out to enlist in the Continential Army. I served as a Lieutenient in the Revolutionary War until my shoulder was badly injured in the Battle of Trenton. After the war, I studied law under Thomas Jefferson before serving in Congress, in the Senate, as a diplomat to France, Britain and Spain, as Governor of Virginia three times, as Secretary of State and as Secretary of War. I also helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase which expanded the Southern part of the United States. I then became President of the United States in 1817 and served for two terms.

You probably all have been waiting to hear why I am considered a famous American! In addition to holding all of those political jobs, I am famous for writing the Monroe Doctorine in 1823. Many of you may not have heard of it but it is still used by our government today! The Monroe Doctorine was written to warn European countries such as Britain (England), France and Spain, who were making colonies in the Western Hemisphere, not to interfere with the independent nations of the Western Hemisphere. After my presidency, my wife and I leave Washington for our plantation in Virgina. I stayed there until I went bankrupt and was forced to sell our plantation. After the death of my wife Elizabeth, I moved to New York City to lived with my daughter Maria. I died of Tuberculosis a year later on July 4 in 1831, just six years after my second term as President ended. Though I died with my bank account very low, I am sure you can see that my accomplishments in life were very high!

The End