James Monroe
Fifth
President,
1817–1825
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The American continents, 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.
Foreign Relations: Monroe was the last Revolutionary War leader to become president. He was also the last of the Virginia Dynasty (of the first five presidents, only Massachusetts native John Adams wasn't born in Virginia). This former diplomat's greatest legacy was the Monroe Doctrine, which established U.S. interests in the western hemisphere and warned Europe not to attack newly independent South American nations.
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Portrait by
John Vanderlyn
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1816
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NPG.70.59
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Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
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Fast Facts
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Party: |
Democratic-Republican
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Date of Birth: |
Friday, April 28, 1758
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Date of Death: |
Monday, July 4, 1831
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Vice President: |
Daniel D. Tompkins
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First Lady: |
Elizabeth Kortright Monroe
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