His famous Monroe Doctrine helped to make the country secure by warning the countries of Europe not to interfere in the nation's business.
He was a patriot and a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
He studied law at the College of William and Mary. He looked up to Thomas Jefferson and read every book about law Jefferson told him to read. When he came to a problem, he would discuss it with his friend until he understood it. He finally left college so he could continue to study with Jefferson.
Monroe was a good friend. Jefferson said of him that you could safely tell him anything and he would keep it confidential.* "A better man cannot be," he said. Another time he said of Monroe, "Turn his soul wrong side outwards, and there is not a speck on it."
When Jefferson was president, Monroe helped to arrange the Louisiana Purchase. This was a large area of land which was later divided into 15 states. Then when he became president, Florida was purchased from Spain. The country was growing very fast!
When he had a decision to make, he would ask experts and get their opinions before he made his final decision.
He always tried to see other people's viewpoints* and he tried to always be fair. By doing this, he was able to make friends with those who opposed him. The two terms he served as president became known as the Era of Good Feeling.*
This biography by Patsy Stevens, a retired teacher, was written in 2001.
A frequent question: 
