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== The Conservative President:  James Monroe ==

== The Conservative President:  James Monroe ==

The most conservative president of the 19th century (1801-1900) was [[James Madison]], who was elected in 1816 (after President James Madison served his two terms and then retired).  Monroe was so much against national (federal) power that he had even opposed the ratification of the Constitution as an "Anti-Federalist.  But that was decades earlier, and by 1817 he was ready to be President.  In many respects he became one of the best presidents in history.

The most conservative president of the 19th century (1801-1900) was [[James Madison]], who was elected in 1816 (after President James Madison served his two terms and then retired).  Monroe was so much against national (federal) power that he had even opposed the ratification of the Constitution as an "Anti-Federalist." But that was decades earlier, and by 1817 he was ready to be President.  In many respects he became one of the best presidents in history.

His accomplishments were numerous and continue to shape our nation to this day, although he does not always receive the credit he deserves.  Often students are asked about key achievements that happened under Monroe's leadership, but without mentioning his name.

His accomplishments were numerous and continue to shape our nation to this day, although he does not always receive the credit he deserves.  Often tests ask about key achievements that happened under Monroe's leadership, but without mentioning his name.

In 1817, the United States and Britain agreed to limit armaments on Great Lakes & waterways, which led to demilitarization of border with Canada that remains today.  This is known as the "Rush-Bagot Treaty," and it saved both sides money in military costs.

In 1817, the United States and Britain agreed to limit armaments on the Great Lakes and waterways, which led to complete demilitarization of our border with Canada, which remains today.  This is known as the "Rush-Bagot Treaty," and it saved both sides much money in military costs.

In 1819, Monroe complete the Adams-Onis Treaty to obtain the annexation of Florida to the United States, and also added property north of the southern border of current Oregon (which we now call the "Northwest").

In 1819, Monroe completed the Adams-Onis Treaty to annex Florida to the United States, and also added property north of the southern border of current Oregon (which we now call the "Northwest").

In 1820, the successful "Missouri Compromise" resolved for several decades disputes about whether slavery would be permitted in new territories, and whether to admit new states.  This Compromise was between the North and the South, neither of whom wanted to give up power by adding a state friendly to the other side.  The Senate was evenly balanced at this time, and adding just one new state on one side would tip the balance in its favor.  At the time there were 11 free states and 11 slave states (Delaware and Kentucky were slave states).   

In 1820, the successful "Missouri Compromise" resolved for several decades disputes about whether slavery would be permitted in new territories, and how to admit new states.  This Compromise was between the North and the South, neither of which wanted to give up power by adding a state friendly to the other side.  The Senate was evenly balanced at this time, and adding just one new state on one side would tip the balance in its favor.  At the time there were 11 free states and 11 slave states (note that, perhaps surprisingly, Delaware and Kentucky were slave states).   

So the Missouri Compromise added Maine as a free state (which would side with the North), and Missouri as a slave state (which would side with the South until the Civil War).  The other new states to be added from the Louisiana Purchase (once they had enough population) would be free:  slavery was banned by this Compromise above the latitude of 36 degrees, 30 minutes.

So the Missouri Compromise added Maine as a free state (which would side with the North), and Missouri as a slave state (which would side with the South until the Civil War).  The other new states to be added from the Louisiana Purchase (once they had enough population) would be free:  slavery was banned by this Compromise above the latitude of 36 degrees, 30 minutes.

The most lasting contribution of James Monroe was his "Monroe Doctrine" in 1823, which stated that Europe should stop colonizing America because its political and economic systems are vastly different.  In fact, Monroe stated that Europe should not interfere further in the Western Hemisphere.  To this day presidents continue to cite the Monroe Doctrine whenever a European country tries to take to do something in our nation.

The most lasting contribution of James Monroe was his "Monroe Doctrine" in 1823, which stated that Europe should not add any new colonies in North or South America because Europe's political and economic systems are vastly different from those in America.  In fact, Monroe stated that Europe should not interfere further in the Western Hemisphere.  To this day presidents continue to cite the Monroe Doctrine whenever a European country tries to do something in our hemisphere.

America was immensely prosperous under Monroe's conservative leadership.  The "Era of Good Feelings" overtook our country.  Roads and canals were built.  The economy blossomed.  Monroe vetoed the Cumberland Road Bill (calling for more government-built roads) and under his leadership the House rejected most spending bills on internal projects.

America was immensely prosperous under Monroe's conservative leadership.  The "Era of Good Feelings" overtook our country.  Roads and canals were built.  The economy blossomed.  Monroe vetoed the Cumberland Road Bill (calling for more government-built roads) and under his leadership the House rejected most spending bills on internal projects.