The last president truly from the age of the Revolution was also the first real "national defense" president. You certainly know of the Monroe Doctrine, but his presidency actually had a little bit more to it. Prosperity from expansionism, threats of war with Spain and renewed war with Britain, a splintering Republican Congress, a cabinet undermining him for positioning to take over the Presidency, and dealing with Andrew Jackson all contribute to his tenure. It's funny how little is known about a president whose doctrine is the most memorable.
Meaningless Ranking of Best Presidents (Subject to Change from Episode to Episode):
1. George Washington
2. James Madison
3. James Monroe
4. Thomas Jefferson
5. John Adams
Meaningless Ranking of My Favorite Presidents (Subject to Change Also):
1. John Adams
2. James Madison
3. George Washington
4. Thomas Jefferson
5. James Monroe
would you say that James Monroe's attitude toward slavery (ie, it's not problematic) was more common among the population and hence represents the true start of systemic institutionalization of the practice? That is, it seems all the other presidents thus far have expressed some sort of problem with the practice of slavery. And did this have something to do with that he did not have aristocratic roots like the others?
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