Born on April 28, 1758, James Monroe was the fifth and final Founding Father to serve as President of the United States. He led the nation for two terms from 1817 to 1825. Coming shortly after the War of 1812, this period became known as the “Era of Good Feelings” because of its relative political harmony. Although often overshadowed by his predecessors, Monroe left a political legacy marked by significant achievements that shaped our national identity. In honor of his birthday, let’s look at a few of his larger accomplishments in expanding the United States’ influence both at home and abroad.

James Monroe

Shortly after Monroe’s tenure as governor of Virginia ended in 1802, President Jefferson tasked him and Robert Livingston with acquiring territory from France that would secure access to the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. In 1803, they negotiated the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring New Orleans and some 828,000 square miles west of the Mississippi for $15 million. This acquisition doubled the size of the United States and opened vast new territories for exploration and settlement.

Learn more: Louisiana Purchase Treaty

Map of the Louisiana Purchase Territory, 1903

During his administration, the United States acquired Florida from Spain through the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819. Negotiated by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the treaty resolved long-standing border disputes between the two nations. Under its terms, Spain ceded Florida to the U.S., and in return, the U.S. agreed to assume $5 million in claims by American citizens against Spain. The acquisition was finalized in 1821, expanding U.S. territory and strengthening its presence in the Southeast.

Read More: To James Madison from James Monroe, 7 February 1819

Presidential Proclamation 28 of August 10, 1821, by President James Monroe Declaring the Admission of the State of Missouri as a Member of the Union to Be Complete

Monroe achieved his most enduring feat with the Monroe Doctrine. On December 2, 1823, in a message to Congress, he declared that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonization and warned Europe against interfering in the affairs of independent nations in the Americas. In return, the United States promised not to intercede in European affairs. His pronouncement was largely symbolic at the time, but the doctrine became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for generations.

Watch the Program: Spheres of Influence: Two Hundred Years of the Monroe Doctrine

Message of President James Monroe at the commencement of the first session of the 18th Congress (The Monroe Doctrine). The Monroe Doctrine commences on page 31 and ends on page 32 of Monroe's December 2, 1823 message.

During the Revolutionary War, Monroe was a respected soldier who served under George Washington. Therefore it is fitting that like Adams and Jefferson before him, he died on Independence Day, July 4, 1831, at the age 73. Throughout his political career, he served as governor of Virginia, Senator, minister to Britain and Spain, Secretary of State and, finally, President, securing his legacy as one our early nation’s most prolific and influential leaders.

Tomb of James Monroe, Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, VA