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The American Presidents #5
James Monroe
The former senator and presidential candidate offers a provocative new assessment of the first "national security president"
James Monroe is remembered today primarily for two things: for being the last of the "Virginia Dynasty"―following George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison―and for issuing the Monroe Doctrine, his statement of principles in 1823 that the western hemisphere was to be considered closed to European intervention. But Gary Hart sees Monroe as a president ahead of his time, whose priorities and accomplishments in establishing America's "national security" have a great deal in common with chief executives of our own time.
Unlike his predecessors Jefferson and Madison, Monroe was at his core a military man. He joined the Continental Army at the age of seventeen and served with distinction in many pivotal battles. (He is prominently featured at Washington's side in the iconic painting Washington Crossing the Delaware.) And throughout his career as a senator, governor, ambassador, secretary of state, secretary of war, and president, he never lost sight of the fact that without secure borders and friendly relations with neighbors, the American people could never be truly safe in their independence. As president he embarked on an ambitious series of treaties, annexations, and military confrontations that would secure America's homeland against foreign attack for nearly two hundred years. Hart details the accomplishments and priorities of this forward-looking president, whose security concerns clearly echo those we face in our time.
James Monroe is remembered today primarily for two things: for being the last of the "Virginia Dynasty"―following George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison―and for issuing the Monroe Doctrine, his statement of principles in 1823 that the western hemisphere was to be considered closed to European intervention. But Gary Hart sees Monroe as a president ahead of his time, whose priorities and accomplishments in establishing America's "national security" have a great deal in common with chief executives of our own time.
Unlike his predecessors Jefferson and Madison, Monroe was at his core a military man. He joined the Continental Army at the age of seventeen and served with distinction in many pivotal battles. (He is prominently featured at Washington's side in the iconic painting Washington Crossing the Delaware.) And throughout his career as a senator, governor, ambassador, secretary of state, secretary of war, and president, he never lost sight of the fact that without secure borders and friendly relations with neighbors, the American people could never be truly safe in their independence. As president he embarked on an ambitious series of treaties, annexations, and military confrontations that would secure America's homeland against foreign attack for nearly two hundred years. Hart details the accomplishments and priorities of this forward-looking president, whose security concerns clearly echo those we face in our time.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2005
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About the author
Gary Hart
36 books26 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Gary Hart represented the state of Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1975 until 1987. He is the Wirth Chair professor at the University of Colorado, chairs both the Council for a Livable World and the American Security Project, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and he was cochair of the U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st Century. The commission performed the most comprehensive review of national security since 1947, predicted the terrorist attacks on America, and proposed a sweeping overhaul of U.S. national security structures and policies for the post-Cold War century and the age of terrorism. Senator Hart is the author of 17 books, including The Courage of Our Convictions: A Manifesto for Democrats, The Shield and the Cloak: Security in the Commons, and God and Caesar in America: An Essay on Religion and Politics.
Read his blog on Huffington Post:
Gary Hart represented the state of Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1975 until 1987. He is the Wirth Chair professor at the University of Colorado, chairs both the Council for a Livable World and the American Security Project, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and he was cochair of the U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st Century. The commission performed the most comprehensive review of national security since 1947, predicted the terrorist attacks on America, and proposed a sweeping overhaul of U.S. national security structures and policies for the post-Cold War century and the age of terrorism. Senator Hart is the author of 17 books, including The Courage of Our Convictions: A Manifesto for Democrats, The Shield and the Cloak: Security in the Commons, and God and Caesar in America: An Essay on Religion and Politics.
Read his blog on Huffington Post:
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March 31, 2019
I suppose it is inevitable that James Monroe should be forever rated fourth of the first four and greatest of Virginia presidents. He was a soldier less majestic than Washington; a diplomat less sophisticated than Jefferson; and an upholder of the Constitution less articulate than Madison.
Still, he was an honest and honorable man (although perhaps a bit too thin-skinned), always ready to serve his country in any capacity but, being too scrupulous and proud to benefit from such service, destined to die in debt.
A Revolutionary war hero grievously wounded at Trenton, he gave good advice during the War of 1812, and, if Secretary of War Armstrong had heeded that his advice, the White House would likely not have been burnt. As President he supported the Missouri Compromise, which kept America united for a generation, and (together with Secretary of State John Quincy Adams) fashioned the Monroe Doctrine, an important contribution to American foreign policy.
Perhaps most important of all, as Gary Hart argues, Monroe was our first “national security” president, “whose consistent underlying motivation was to expand and establish the borders of the United States and to make it the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, free of European interference.” Gary Hart does an excellent job making his case, and gives us a portrait of a James Monroe who—whatever his limitations may be when compared to the three great Virginians—would have possessed the grit and presence of mind to meet the challenges of the 20th and 21st century.
May 13, 2024
Gary Hart On James Monroe
I revisited several of the biographies in the American Presidents Series as a result of thinking about the ongoing 2016 presidential election and read some books in the series I had missed earlier. Among the books I had missed is this 2005 biography of James Monroe (1758 -- 1831) by former Senator and presidential candidate, Gary Hart (b. 1936). Monroe, was a Virginian and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He served two terms as the fifth president from 1817 -- 1825.
Hart was a good choice to write this book. He holds a PhD from Oxford in politics, earned in 2001 together with a law degree. Although he has written many books and had a long distinguished career subsequent to his failed presidential aspirations, Hart is best remembered for a sexual scandal that doomed his 1988 bid for the presidency. In light of subsequent sexual activities by presidents and presidential contenders alike, Hart's escapades seem tame. Perhaps Hart includes a veiled reference to himself when he discusses Henry Clay's failed bid for the presidency upon the conclusion of Monroe's Administration. Hart writes: "Few [presidential candidates] had been more visible on most issues of national importance than Clay, described by the same foreign observer as a 'great ladies man'. Unfortunately for Clay, however, the ladies of that day did not have the vote." (p. 143)
The volumes in the American Presidents Series aim to present short, informed biographies of the presidents together with a distinct perspective from the author, and Hart's book does so. Although he does not neglect other aspects of Monroe's life and presidency, Hart's focus is on Monroe as the "first national security president" as the United States emerged from the War of 1812 and began to strengthen itself, create a national vision, and expand its borders. Hart emphasizes Monroe's early military heroism and the talent he displayed for a military style of leadership. He examines the long years Monroe spent overseas, which included an important role in the Louisiana Purchase. Monroe served as both Secretary of State and Acting Secretary of War during the War of 1812 and the British burning of Washington, D.C. This background, Hart argues convincingly, helped define Monroe's presidency and its focus on national defense.
Much of the Hart's discussion of the presidency focuses on the Monroe Doctrine. Hart offers more detail and insight into the Doctrine than might be expected from a short, introductory volume. The discussion is on a high intellectual and historical level as Hart examines the relationship between the president and his brilliant, crusty Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams. Hart finds that Monroe took a larger role in the development of the doctrine that bears his name than is sometimes supposed. Hart discusses the development of the Doctrine and gives a lengthy exposition of the text in which it was announced, of its interpretation and meaning, and of its long, varied influence over the years. Hart's focus on the Monroe Doctrine might be considered top heavy in a brief book, but it offers a valuable perspective on Monroe and his importance. Hart writes:
"The cornerstone of Monroe's foreign policy, according to Ammon, [the author of an extended scholarly biography of Monroe that Hart uses extensively] was 'to ensure the recognition of the United States, not only as the strongest power in the Americas, but also as the only one of consequence in either hemisphere: respect and honor were key words in his thinking.' The Monroe presidency was one of the half dozen or so defining presidencies in terms of America's role in the world and its self-definition. The Missouri Compromise, internal improvements, and economic setback and rebound would all require attention. But overwhelmingly, Monroe was required to focus his utmost attention on 'whither America' as his nation began to mature into adulthood." (p. 105)
As the quote suggests, Hart pays attention to other important developments of the Monroe presidency, including the Missouri Compromise, economic developments, Monroe's approval of the Second National Bank of the United States, and expansion of American borders. He also discusses well Monroe's lifelong relationships with two earlier presidents from Virginia: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Although lacking their broad reading and their intellectual brilliance, Monroe brought his own leadership skills, including a thorough pragmatic quality of understanding and an ability to work with others, to the presidency. Hart briefly discusses the bitterly contested and controversial presidential election of 1824, following Monroe's terms in office. He offers a brief portrayal of Monroe's long marriage and of his final years when he died destitute. The book offers a sufficient portrayal of Monroe, for a short work, to accompany its focus on the Monroe Doctrine.
Hart relies a good deal on secondary sources and on other recent biographies, which is appropriate for a short introductory study. He also has clearly thought his subject through for himself. The book includes a short bibliography with annotations of earlier studies of Monroe and a good listing of other sources for readers interested in learning more. The writing is good and clear, if repetitive in places. This book enhanced my knowledge of Monroe and of the American presidency in the wake of our 2016 presidential election.
Robin Friedman
I revisited several of the biographies in the American Presidents Series as a result of thinking about the ongoing 2016 presidential election and read some books in the series I had missed earlier. Among the books I had missed is this 2005 biography of James Monroe (1758 -- 1831) by former Senator and presidential candidate, Gary Hart (b. 1936). Monroe, was a Virginian and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. He served two terms as the fifth president from 1817 -- 1825.
Hart was a good choice to write this book. He holds a PhD from Oxford in politics, earned in 2001 together with a law degree. Although he has written many books and had a long distinguished career subsequent to his failed presidential aspirations, Hart is best remembered for a sexual scandal that doomed his 1988 bid for the presidency. In light of subsequent sexual activities by presidents and presidential contenders alike, Hart's escapades seem tame. Perhaps Hart includes a veiled reference to himself when he discusses Henry Clay's failed bid for the presidency upon the conclusion of Monroe's Administration. Hart writes: "Few [presidential candidates] had been more visible on most issues of national importance than Clay, described by the same foreign observer as a 'great ladies man'. Unfortunately for Clay, however, the ladies of that day did not have the vote." (p. 143)
The volumes in the American Presidents Series aim to present short, informed biographies of the presidents together with a distinct perspective from the author, and Hart's book does so. Although he does not neglect other aspects of Monroe's life and presidency, Hart's focus is on Monroe as the "first national security president" as the United States emerged from the War of 1812 and began to strengthen itself, create a national vision, and expand its borders. Hart emphasizes Monroe's early military heroism and the talent he displayed for a military style of leadership. He examines the long years Monroe spent overseas, which included an important role in the Louisiana Purchase. Monroe served as both Secretary of State and Acting Secretary of War during the War of 1812 and the British burning of Washington, D.C. This background, Hart argues convincingly, helped define Monroe's presidency and its focus on national defense.
Much of the Hart's discussion of the presidency focuses on the Monroe Doctrine. Hart offers more detail and insight into the Doctrine than might be expected from a short, introductory volume. The discussion is on a high intellectual and historical level as Hart examines the relationship between the president and his brilliant, crusty Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams. Hart finds that Monroe took a larger role in the development of the doctrine that bears his name than is sometimes supposed. Hart discusses the development of the Doctrine and gives a lengthy exposition of the text in which it was announced, of its interpretation and meaning, and of its long, varied influence over the years. Hart's focus on the Monroe Doctrine might be considered top heavy in a brief book, but it offers a valuable perspective on Monroe and his importance. Hart writes:
"The cornerstone of Monroe's foreign policy, according to Ammon, [the author of an extended scholarly biography of Monroe that Hart uses extensively] was 'to ensure the recognition of the United States, not only as the strongest power in the Americas, but also as the only one of consequence in either hemisphere: respect and honor were key words in his thinking.' The Monroe presidency was one of the half dozen or so defining presidencies in terms of America's role in the world and its self-definition. The Missouri Compromise, internal improvements, and economic setback and rebound would all require attention. But overwhelmingly, Monroe was required to focus his utmost attention on 'whither America' as his nation began to mature into adulthood." (p. 105)
As the quote suggests, Hart pays attention to other important developments of the Monroe presidency, including the Missouri Compromise, economic developments, Monroe's approval of the Second National Bank of the United States, and expansion of American borders. He also discusses well Monroe's lifelong relationships with two earlier presidents from Virginia: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Although lacking their broad reading and their intellectual brilliance, Monroe brought his own leadership skills, including a thorough pragmatic quality of understanding and an ability to work with others, to the presidency. Hart briefly discusses the bitterly contested and controversial presidential election of 1824, following Monroe's terms in office. He offers a brief portrayal of Monroe's long marriage and of his final years when he died destitute. The book offers a sufficient portrayal of Monroe, for a short work, to accompany its focus on the Monroe Doctrine.
Hart relies a good deal on secondary sources and on other recent biographies, which is appropriate for a short introductory study. He also has clearly thought his subject through for himself. The book includes a short bibliography with annotations of earlier studies of Monroe and a good listing of other sources for readers interested in learning more. The writing is good and clear, if repetitive in places. This book enhanced my knowledge of Monroe and of the American presidency in the wake of our 2016 presidential election.
Robin Friedman
May 16, 2021
I have even greater respect for James Monroe after reading Hart’s biography. When was the last time an American politician, serving simultaneously as Secretary of State and Secretary of War took the field in time of war, performed reconnaissance duty in the face of the enemy, and led troops in the field? Let’s see.... 1814? Times, they are a changin’.
March 3, 2026
I'm trying to read bios of ALL the Presidents and one I've overlooked is James Monroe ( 1758-1831), the 5th President (1817-1825). This is a brief bio of Monroe from the American Presidents series and written by former senator Gary Hart. Hart believes Monroe is one of the more underappreciated presidents. He emphasizes Monroe's superlative experience--military service in the American Revolution, senator, governor, ambassador, secretary of state, secretary of war, AND president.
His focus on Monroe's presidency is on his Monroe Doctrine, which stated the principle that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to the European powers ( with the major exception of Canada, of course, as part of the British Empire). Monroe and his Sec. of State John Quincy Adams were concerned about Spain's trying to recover its South American colonies, which had gained their independence--and also they wanted to oppose Russian expansion south from "Russian America" ( Alaska).
I give only 3 stars for Hart's bio of Monroe, because I wanted to know more about the Missouri Compromise and the rise of slavery as a national issue, which would lead to civil war... thirty-six years after Monroe's presidency.
His focus on Monroe's presidency is on his Monroe Doctrine, which stated the principle that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to the European powers ( with the major exception of Canada, of course, as part of the British Empire). Monroe and his Sec. of State John Quincy Adams were concerned about Spain's trying to recover its South American colonies, which had gained their independence--and also they wanted to oppose Russian expansion south from "Russian America" ( Alaska).
I give only 3 stars for Hart's bio of Monroe, because I wanted to know more about the Missouri Compromise and the rise of slavery as a national issue, which would lead to civil war... thirty-six years after Monroe's presidency.
April 11, 2014
I was not very impressed with this biography. Mr. Hart offers very little in terms of original insight into our 5th President, James Monroe. How did I come to this conclusion when I haven't read any biographies of this president before? That is because from start to finish, Hart quotes other biographers, primarily Henry Ammon. If I wanted to read what Henry Ammon had to say about President Monroe in his biography, I would have bought that biography. I did not like the way this book was just rehashing others' work into a new publication. That is what Wikipedia is for, not a unique biography dedicated to a founding father.
The other reason I was disappointed in this biography is that it was expensive to buy. And I bought it used. I do not know where the blame for this lies, but nevertheless it is an expensive addition to your library. I'm here to say that you are better off spending your money on other Monroe biographies unless, like me, you are dedicated to having every volume in The American Presidents Series in your collection. James Madison's book in this series was a good one. If I encounter many more of Monroe-style books and less Madison, then I may rethink my desire to own them all.
The other reason I was disappointed in this biography is that it was expensive to buy. And I bought it used. I do not know where the blame for this lies, but nevertheless it is an expensive addition to your library. I'm here to say that you are better off spending your money on other Monroe biographies unless, like me, you are dedicated to having every volume in The American Presidents Series in your collection. James Madison's book in this series was a good one. If I encounter many more of Monroe-style books and less Madison, then I may rethink my desire to own them all.
January 15, 2025
Short, informative in a textbook style presentation.
Worthwhile.
Worthwhile.
September 15, 2009
Gary Hart, former United State Senator and presidential candidate, has authored a useful biography of President James Monroe, as a part of the American Presidents series. Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., the late series editor, begins the volume with an essay, in which at one point he says (Page xv): “Bust a system based on a tripartite separation of powers has an inherent tendency toward inertia and stalemate. One of the three branches must take the initiative if the system is to move. The executive branch alone is structurally capable of taking that initiative.”
The volume begins by noting that Monroe’s service to the country began in the Continental Army. He took part in the great victory at Trenton and served well under George Washington over time. His military service left a lasting impact on him, according to Hart. A key theme advanced by the author is that (Page 8) “This account positions Monroe as the first ‘national security’ president, whose consistent underlying motivation was to expand and establish the borders of the United States and to make it the dominant power in the Western hemisphere, free of European interference.” Indeed, Hart’s theme is advanced so strongly that it sometimes becomes rather tedious to read.
After the Revolutionary War ended, Monroe was tapped to serve in a number of roles—serving in state government, serving as Governor of Virginia, serving in the Congress under the Articles of Confederation, serving as a diplomat abroad, serving in the United States Senate and so on. He had relationships with the “Big Three” Virginians, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The book does a nice job of showing his nuanced relationships with each. His emphasis in national security led him, as Hart puts it, to separate from his mentors with his effort to strengthen the armed forces of the United States Indeed, one chapter heading locates questions about him: “Washington’s Lieutenant, Jefferson’s Puppet, or Madison’s Pawn.”
Thereafter, the book described the arc of his career as he advanced to the presidency, distanced himself from Republican orthodoxy, worked with his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to develop the Monroe Doctrine. The volume does a nice job of outlining this briefly on pages 120-124.
The final chapter places Monroe’s presidency in context and does a nice job of outlining his contributions. Sometimes, the author is a “Johnny one note,” with the emphasis on Monroe’s concern about national security; nonetheless, this is a useful volume if one wishes to read a brief biography of this president.
The volume begins by noting that Monroe’s service to the country began in the Continental Army. He took part in the great victory at Trenton and served well under George Washington over time. His military service left a lasting impact on him, according to Hart. A key theme advanced by the author is that (Page 8) “This account positions Monroe as the first ‘national security’ president, whose consistent underlying motivation was to expand and establish the borders of the United States and to make it the dominant power in the Western hemisphere, free of European interference.” Indeed, Hart’s theme is advanced so strongly that it sometimes becomes rather tedious to read.
After the Revolutionary War ended, Monroe was tapped to serve in a number of roles—serving in state government, serving as Governor of Virginia, serving in the Congress under the Articles of Confederation, serving as a diplomat abroad, serving in the United States Senate and so on. He had relationships with the “Big Three” Virginians, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The book does a nice job of showing his nuanced relationships with each. His emphasis in national security led him, as Hart puts it, to separate from his mentors with his effort to strengthen the armed forces of the United States Indeed, one chapter heading locates questions about him: “Washington’s Lieutenant, Jefferson’s Puppet, or Madison’s Pawn.”
Thereafter, the book described the arc of his career as he advanced to the presidency, distanced himself from Republican orthodoxy, worked with his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams to develop the Monroe Doctrine. The volume does a nice job of outlining this briefly on pages 120-124.
The final chapter places Monroe’s presidency in context and does a nice job of outlining his contributions. Sometimes, the author is a “Johnny one note,” with the emphasis on Monroe’s concern about national security; nonetheless, this is a useful volume if one wishes to read a brief biography of this president.
April 15, 2012
This slim biography has all the finesse of an eighth-grade history report. Poorly written and repetitive, the author manages to make 150 pages of information feel padded. His tendency to jump back and forth in time is sloppy and confusing. And did I mention it’s repetitive? If you’re interested in a summary of Monroe’s life and achievements, simply read the conclusion of this book. It tells you everything you need to know—just once.
April 12, 2021
Here is what former senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart wrote about James Monroe in the conclusion to his short book: “Few would argue that James Monroe was a great president by the standard usually reserved for great presidents. But Monroe has earned the right to be considered a historic, important and transitional president.” Hart truly sums up the book better than I ever could.
But also, James Monroe is kind of dull. He seems to be overshadowed by every other figure of the time - Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Burr, Madison, both Adamses, Henry Clay, Calhoun, Andrew Jackson.
He wasn’t even in Hamilton. He is that dull.
Is it Gary Hart’s writing that makes James Monroe dull or is James Monroe just dull?
(Some Monroe scholar or Monroe-phile just read all this and is spitting like a mad cat right now).
But also, James Monroe is kind of dull. He seems to be overshadowed by every other figure of the time - Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Burr, Madison, both Adamses, Henry Clay, Calhoun, Andrew Jackson.
He wasn’t even in Hamilton. He is that dull.
Is it Gary Hart’s writing that makes James Monroe dull or is James Monroe just dull?
(Some Monroe scholar or Monroe-phile just read all this and is spitting like a mad cat right now).
December 15, 2020
More boring than the rest but he is smashed between Madison, the war of 1812, and the close elation of 1824. Had not thought of the premise of Monroe as first National Security president.
March 17, 2017
Heavily relies on historian Harry Ammon for biographical details but indepedently makes case for Monroe as defense president.
July 16, 2010
James Monroe is a short biography written by Gary Hart (US Senator, D – CO) about the fifth president of the United States. James Monroe, the last of the presidents who served in the American Revolutionary War, (he got wounded in the Battle of Trenton) is never ranked highly in his role as chief executive, especially when compared with big guns he had followed (fellow Virginians, Washington, Jefferson and Madison as well as Massachusetts native John Adams).
The theme the author chose to follow is that Monroe is the “first national security president”. As a solider, like Washington, James Monroe saw the building of the nation through the eyes scarred from the battlefield, not through legislative eyes of Jefferson and Madison. Gary Hart does a masterful job in filling the gaps in the life of a president who played an important role in the building of these United States.
I find that true in today’s world as well. Many soldiers and ex-soldiers view the world from a different perspective than those who have not worn a uniform. Maybe it is because we have seen human kind at its best and worst; we have seen people act in unbelievable kindness under the harshest circumstances as well as commit the crimes which we didn’t think civilized human beings are capable of even imagining.
The first chapter gives the reader a background about Monroe’s service in the Continental Army, a role which, as explained before, affects his policies and administration. After the revolution Monroe served in several political roles such as Governor of Virginia, Congress, an ambassador as well as the first person to hold duel offices of Secretary of State and Secretary of War during the tenure of James Madison.
Taking on the office of the president, Hart describes how Monroe differed from the Republican ideals of the time (those who studied and shaped their policy from the ancient Greek texts, not today’s Republican Party), as well as the breakthrough act of installing John Quincy Adams, a northerner, to a position of power and influence in the administration.
At this point, Hart touches on the important part Monroe’s successor John Quincy Adams played in the administration. As an experienced diplomat and Secretary of State Adams had large influence on the president’s policies towards Europe and South America, as well as what we known today as the “Monroe Doctrine”. To my disappointment the Missouri Compromise barley gets mentioned even though it was a defining moment in Monroe’s administration in which he gambled many of his political chips.
Hart goes on to describe the post-presidency years of James Monroe. Unlike many of today’s politicians, James Monroe did not line his pockets during his tenure because he felt it was unethical. When Monroe left politics he was in debt due to his out of pocket expenses during the years of his service. At the time, unless you were very rich (Washington, Jefferson) or had a steady source of income (Adams) public servant salaries, especially at the upper echelon of the government, did not pay a living wage.
Former president Monroe, bankrupt and out of assets, was forced to be Congress to reimburse him for his expenses overseas, representing the country he gave so much to help create. The embarrassing scenario was made even more humiliating when Congress ignores his requests and even the mighty Jefferson could not help.
James Monroe, wounded veteran of the Continental Army, Senator, Congressman, ambassador, president – died bankrupt.
In the last chapter, Hart tries to put Monroe’s tenure and policies in context to today’s world. The author does a fine job even though he could not resist taking a few cheap shots at the Bush (43) administration which I felt, right or wrong, were out of place in this book.
The book is a good discussion starter about President Monroe, it is by no means a complete biography, but it’s not meant to be either. The narrow scope of the book is interesting, concise and well written; a welcomed introduction a president many have forgotten.
For more book reviews please visit: http://www.manoflabook.com
The theme the author chose to follow is that Monroe is the “first national security president”. As a solider, like Washington, James Monroe saw the building of the nation through the eyes scarred from the battlefield, not through legislative eyes of Jefferson and Madison. Gary Hart does a masterful job in filling the gaps in the life of a president who played an important role in the building of these United States.
I find that true in today’s world as well. Many soldiers and ex-soldiers view the world from a different perspective than those who have not worn a uniform. Maybe it is because we have seen human kind at its best and worst; we have seen people act in unbelievable kindness under the harshest circumstances as well as commit the crimes which we didn’t think civilized human beings are capable of even imagining.
The first chapter gives the reader a background about Monroe’s service in the Continental Army, a role which, as explained before, affects his policies and administration. After the revolution Monroe served in several political roles such as Governor of Virginia, Congress, an ambassador as well as the first person to hold duel offices of Secretary of State and Secretary of War during the tenure of James Madison.
Taking on the office of the president, Hart describes how Monroe differed from the Republican ideals of the time (those who studied and shaped their policy from the ancient Greek texts, not today’s Republican Party), as well as the breakthrough act of installing John Quincy Adams, a northerner, to a position of power and influence in the administration.
At this point, Hart touches on the important part Monroe’s successor John Quincy Adams played in the administration. As an experienced diplomat and Secretary of State Adams had large influence on the president’s policies towards Europe and South America, as well as what we known today as the “Monroe Doctrine”. To my disappointment the Missouri Compromise barley gets mentioned even though it was a defining moment in Monroe’s administration in which he gambled many of his political chips.
Hart goes on to describe the post-presidency years of James Monroe. Unlike many of today’s politicians, James Monroe did not line his pockets during his tenure because he felt it was unethical. When Monroe left politics he was in debt due to his out of pocket expenses during the years of his service. At the time, unless you were very rich (Washington, Jefferson) or had a steady source of income (Adams) public servant salaries, especially at the upper echelon of the government, did not pay a living wage.
Former president Monroe, bankrupt and out of assets, was forced to be Congress to reimburse him for his expenses overseas, representing the country he gave so much to help create. The embarrassing scenario was made even more humiliating when Congress ignores his requests and even the mighty Jefferson could not help.
James Monroe, wounded veteran of the Continental Army, Senator, Congressman, ambassador, president – died bankrupt.
In the last chapter, Hart tries to put Monroe’s tenure and policies in context to today’s world. The author does a fine job even though he could not resist taking a few cheap shots at the Bush (43) administration which I felt, right or wrong, were out of place in this book.
The book is a good discussion starter about President Monroe, it is by no means a complete biography, but it’s not meant to be either. The narrow scope of the book is interesting, concise and well written; a welcomed introduction a president many have forgotten.
For more book reviews please visit: http://www.manoflabook.com
July 21, 2019
I began reading the American Presidents series, in sequence, in May 2017. "James Monroe" is my favorite of the five I have read so far. Not only does former Senator Hart make the story interesting, but he does so without any spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors that I noticed.
November 19, 2018
James Monroe is the fifth book in The American Presidents series – a biographical series chronicling the Presidents of the United States. Gary Hart wrote this particular installment and edited by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
James Monroe was an American political leader and Founding Father who served as the fifth President of the United States from 1817–1825. He is perhaps best known for his foreign policy principle, known as the "Monroe Doctrine", disallowing further European colonization of the Americas beginning in 1823. Monroe was the last president of the Virginia dynasty, and his presidency ushered in what is known as the "Era of Good Feelings".
According to Gary Hart, James Monroe was a skilled diplomat whose quiet, dogged work yielded the Louisiana Purchase and averted war with France, Spain and England. As president, he helped guide the nation out of an economic depression, and, of course, he formulated the principles that would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine, which he is best remembered.
This doctrine states that the United States is serving of notice that would not allow the extension of any monarchical European government into the Americas and that it would actively bar the reassertion of European power over any former colony that had declared it free. In short, it assures that the United States would not interfere in European affairs, but would also not tolerate European interference in American affairs broadly viewed.
James Monroe was written and researched extremely well. It showed a wonderful insight to the man who became the fifth President of the United States of America. It is a somewhat cursory biography, covering the major incidences of his presidency, and it may have been targeted to a younger audience.
All in all, James Monroe is a wonderfully written biography of the fifth president and rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series of presidential biographies, which I plan to read in the very near future.
James Monroe was an American political leader and Founding Father who served as the fifth President of the United States from 1817–1825. He is perhaps best known for his foreign policy principle, known as the "Monroe Doctrine", disallowing further European colonization of the Americas beginning in 1823. Monroe was the last president of the Virginia dynasty, and his presidency ushered in what is known as the "Era of Good Feelings".
According to Gary Hart, James Monroe was a skilled diplomat whose quiet, dogged work yielded the Louisiana Purchase and averted war with France, Spain and England. As president, he helped guide the nation out of an economic depression, and, of course, he formulated the principles that would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine, which he is best remembered.
This doctrine states that the United States is serving of notice that would not allow the extension of any monarchical European government into the Americas and that it would actively bar the reassertion of European power over any former colony that had declared it free. In short, it assures that the United States would not interfere in European affairs, but would also not tolerate European interference in American affairs broadly viewed.
James Monroe was written and researched extremely well. It showed a wonderful insight to the man who became the fifth President of the United States of America. It is a somewhat cursory biography, covering the major incidences of his presidency, and it may have been targeted to a younger audience.
All in all, James Monroe is a wonderfully written biography of the fifth president and rather good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series of presidential biographies, which I plan to read in the very near future.
December 1, 2016
I like the idea of this series. Usually, Presidential biographies are a daunting task. Most check in well over 500 pages. The American Presidents Series come in at about a third or quarter of the length. So it's nice for a less dedicated reader. And it offers biographies of the more forgettable Presidents, which can be hard to find.
But I don't think the series is for me. 150 pages just wasn't enough to really get a good picture of James Monroe as a man or a President.
There was nothing about his early life, the story beginning during the American Revolution (which was probably the best part). His first term is essentially glossed over. And only a few pages are dedicated to the two elections he went through. In fact, there was probably more written about the election of his successor than about his own two.
The condensed format should be good for readers who might not be as well versed in the topic and simply want to learn a bit more. But here it fails too by making assumptions about the reader's knowledge. For example, the Monroe Doctrine is mentioned numerous times but is not actually defined until the last quarter of the book. That is one of the lasting ideas of his Presidency and impacted American foreign policy for the next 150 years (some may argue it still does). Maybe define it a little earlier if you are going to mention it.
My goal is to read a biography of every President. So far, I've done Washington, Adams, Monroe, Lincoln, Johnson, Nixon, Clinton, and both Bushes. Unless I can't find one about subsequent Presidents, I'll probably steer clear of this series. I prefer a more well-rounded picture, encompassing a chronological look at the President's life. The American Presidents series is probably fine for some, it's just not for me.
But I don't think the series is for me. 150 pages just wasn't enough to really get a good picture of James Monroe as a man or a President.
There was nothing about his early life, the story beginning during the American Revolution (which was probably the best part). His first term is essentially glossed over. And only a few pages are dedicated to the two elections he went through. In fact, there was probably more written about the election of his successor than about his own two.
The condensed format should be good for readers who might not be as well versed in the topic and simply want to learn a bit more. But here it fails too by making assumptions about the reader's knowledge. For example, the Monroe Doctrine is mentioned numerous times but is not actually defined until the last quarter of the book. That is one of the lasting ideas of his Presidency and impacted American foreign policy for the next 150 years (some may argue it still does). Maybe define it a little earlier if you are going to mention it.
My goal is to read a biography of every President. So far, I've done Washington, Adams, Monroe, Lincoln, Johnson, Nixon, Clinton, and both Bushes. Unless I can't find one about subsequent Presidents, I'll probably steer clear of this series. I prefer a more well-rounded picture, encompassing a chronological look at the President's life. The American Presidents series is probably fine for some, it's just not for me.
September 17, 2017
A short, general biography on James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Good stuff on President James Monroe in the areas of international relations (the Monroe Doctrine in particular), national security and expansion of the United States' boundaries.
This work also demonstrates the great value of Monroe's relationships with Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams. There is very little detail on Monroe's childhood or family life, a common trait to many of the biographies I have read so far in the series.
In Gary Hart's own words,
This work also demonstrates the great value of Monroe's relationships with Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams. There is very little detail on Monroe's childhood or family life, a common trait to many of the biographies I have read so far in the series.
In Gary Hart's own words,
"This assessment takes a different course. It seeks, above all, to provide a broader view of the man, especially as patriot and public servant. It explores Monroe's relationships with three of the dominant figures of his life, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, all Virginians and all predecessors to the presidency, and suggests that through his diplomatic service to each he was a much stronger and more independent figure than is generally recognized. It also considers the key relationship between Monroe and his Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, especially to determine who actually was the dominant figure. This account positions Monroe as the first 'national security' president, whose consistent underlying motivation was to expand and establish the borders of the United States and to make it the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, free of European interference. In this connection, there is detailed discussion of the circumstances leading up to the announcement of the Principles of 1823, later known as the Monroe Doctrine (Page 8-9)."
February 26, 2017
After reading the previous installment in The American Presidents series, on James Madison, I had begun to lose a little faith in this presidential journey that I had set out upon, as the content was so heavy and often very boring to wade through. This book, however, restored my confidence in the series going forward.
Basically, this James Monroe biography is much more engaging than the previous two books in the series. Whereas the Jefferson and Madison editions got bogged down in details at times, this one was much more straightforward and interesting. I learned a lot about our nation's fifth President, and wasn't bored to death in the process.
There were only two things that tempered the experience for me: First, was the over-harping on Monroe being the first "national security" President. It probably didn't need to be said or implied on seemingly every other page (!). Also, on one occasion, author Gary Hart completely breaks the character of the book and does a little George W. Bush-bashing, which was wholly un-called for.
Overall, this was a very interesting, engaging read and really re-establishes the series going forward.
Basically, this James Monroe biography is much more engaging than the previous two books in the series. Whereas the Jefferson and Madison editions got bogged down in details at times, this one was much more straightforward and interesting. I learned a lot about our nation's fifth President, and wasn't bored to death in the process.
There were only two things that tempered the experience for me: First, was the over-harping on Monroe being the first "national security" President. It probably didn't need to be said or implied on seemingly every other page (!). Also, on one occasion, author Gary Hart completely breaks the character of the book and does a little George W. Bush-bashing, which was wholly un-called for.
Overall, this was a very interesting, engaging read and really re-establishes the series going forward.
July 15, 2018
Add other brief, but solid, presidential biography. Monroe is often overshadowed by the political geniuses that preceded him, but Hart details his numerous accomplishments that may have lacked a certain panache, but set the country on a steady course of growth, allowing it to further mature free from outside interference until the Civil War developed from forces within.
Reading about our first foreign policy president, as Hart calls him, is interesting in our current climate and because this book was written over a decade ago and it's alarming to see how many of Hart's concerns have come to pass, but not quite from the quarters he may have expected.
As, I've come to expect from The American Presidents series, this was a brief but serious look into the life's work of a President.
Reading about our first foreign policy president, as Hart calls him, is interesting in our current climate and because this book was written over a decade ago and it's alarming to see how many of Hart's concerns have come to pass, but not quite from the quarters he may have expected.
As, I've come to expect from The American Presidents series, this was a brief but serious look into the life's work of a President.
March 30, 2019
The book has a strong beginning and end but a muddled middle.
Became a recitation of facts instead of a story. Offered few insights, except those based on the Monroe Doctrine.
As a former senator, and one-time presidential candidate, Gary Hart has some interesting perspectives on foreign affairs. Unfortunately, this was written during George W Bush's administration. Hart uses Monroe's ideas to critique Bush's foreign policy. Some of his critiques hit home but there is a sense that this was not the place to write about it.
Became a recitation of facts instead of a story. Offered few insights, except those based on the Monroe Doctrine.
As a former senator, and one-time presidential candidate, Gary Hart has some interesting perspectives on foreign affairs. Unfortunately, this was written during George W Bush's administration. Hart uses Monroe's ideas to critique Bush's foreign policy. Some of his critiques hit home but there is a sense that this was not the place to write about it.
February 6, 2017
Although a biography is sometimes a little dry, this was an excellent portrayal of James Monroe; he is a president & founding father who is often overlooked. He achieved a lot with foreign policy for our young nation though; especially in consideration of the Monroe doctrine & probably doesn't get as much credit as he should.
May 31, 2017
This was an overview and a few times written in a congress man's voice , I could see him reading this on the floor of congress. I still don't have a good vision of president Monroe only a few vignettes
December 9, 2018
This was by far the best in the series so far. I really enjoyed it and learned so much about a president most of us no little about, but his presidency had far reaching influence that last for more than a hundred years.
May 11, 2018
A short read that presents Monroe as a (mostly) foreign policy president. Gary Hart makes a powerful case for The Monroe Doctrine as the seminal foreign policy achievement of Antebellum America.
September 21, 2025
I wasn’t thrilled that this book was by Gary Hart, but that was only because I had him confused with Garry Wills, a writer that I don’t care for at all. It turns out that Garry Wills wrote the book on James Madison from this same series, a book that Gary Hart refers to on a couple of occasions. When I realized who Gary Hart was, I also realized that the only thing I knew about him was that he was rumored to have had an affair with Donna Rice and that this ruined his chances in the 1988 presidential elections (ah, for the good old days!). I didn’t realize that besides being a politician, he is a great scholar.
The book started off with a colorful tale of Dr. John Riker, who saved Monroe’s life when Monroe was just a young man. I didn’t realize not realize that Monroe served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. There were a lot of things I learned from this book, and of the three I read in this series, it ranked second, following closely behind John S.D. Eisenhower's biography of Zachary Taylor. I wasn’t thrilled with the flowery prose that this book began with, but things settled down quickly enough after that.
I think it is fair to say that Monroe was a great president. I especially liked the quote from the book, "Following the war of 1812, James Monroe also laid a groundwork for homeland security that would guarantee that no Americans would die on American soil from a foreign attack. That is, until September 11, 2001." Although Monroe is probably best known for the Monroe Doctrine, I also read with interest his dealings with domestic policy, especially the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise is one of those many things you learn about in school and then promptly forget about. In retrospect the Missouri Compromise looks like a sop thrown to the slaveholders, but at the time it was probably the best thing that could be done. I had also forgotten the guts of the Monroe Doctrine, somehow getting it confused with Manifest Destiny. This quote by Salvador de Madariaga was certainly true of me: "I only know two things about the Monroe Doctrine: one is that no American I have met knows what it is; the other is that no American I have met will consent to it being tampered with."
One thing that distinguished this book from others in this series is Hart's reliance on other scholars in his writing. I already mentioned his reliance on Garry Wills. Another scholar he relies on to a greater extent than Wills is Harry Ammon, James Monroe's biographer. A quote that got my attention was that Monroe was on the verge of ruin when he left the White House. Jefferson also died leaving a great deal of debt (which ironically was probably paid off by selling his slaves). Thing sure have changed these days.
The book started off with a colorful tale of Dr. John Riker, who saved Monroe’s life when Monroe was just a young man. I didn’t realize not realize that Monroe served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. There were a lot of things I learned from this book, and of the three I read in this series, it ranked second, following closely behind John S.D. Eisenhower's biography of Zachary Taylor. I wasn’t thrilled with the flowery prose that this book began with, but things settled down quickly enough after that.
I think it is fair to say that Monroe was a great president. I especially liked the quote from the book, "Following the war of 1812, James Monroe also laid a groundwork for homeland security that would guarantee that no Americans would die on American soil from a foreign attack. That is, until September 11, 2001." Although Monroe is probably best known for the Monroe Doctrine, I also read with interest his dealings with domestic policy, especially the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise is one of those many things you learn about in school and then promptly forget about. In retrospect the Missouri Compromise looks like a sop thrown to the slaveholders, but at the time it was probably the best thing that could be done. I had also forgotten the guts of the Monroe Doctrine, somehow getting it confused with Manifest Destiny. This quote by Salvador de Madariaga was certainly true of me: "I only know two things about the Monroe Doctrine: one is that no American I have met knows what it is; the other is that no American I have met will consent to it being tampered with."
One thing that distinguished this book from others in this series is Hart's reliance on other scholars in his writing. I already mentioned his reliance on Garry Wills. Another scholar he relies on to a greater extent than Wills is Harry Ammon, James Monroe's biographer. A quote that got my attention was that Monroe was on the verge of ruin when he left the White House. Jefferson also died leaving a great deal of debt (which ironically was probably paid off by selling his slaves). Thing sure have changed these days.
February 7, 2024
Gary Hart, once the top candidate for US President in 1988, writes a concise and very readable book about the 5th US President, James Monroe. It is a fine entry from “The American Presidents” series.
Often a glossed-over period of US history, Monroe was president from 1817-1825 in the “Era of Good Feelings”. Re-elected in 1820 nearly unanimously (one electoral college voter purposely did not vote for him to keep George Washington as the only unanimous president), the US enjoyed a political unity that was almost unique in its divisive history. Monroe’s cabinet was a team of ambitious rivals that included John Calhoun and John Quincy Adams. Prior to his presidency, Monroe served as the key diplomat in the Louisiana Purchase deal and experienced a lot as a long-time diplomat in Europe.
Monroe was a military man by nature. Like George Washington, Monroe fought in the American Revolution, hailed from Virginia, owned slaves (felt less guilt about it compared to Washington/Jefferson), and was a straightforward/honest man of more “limited dimensions” as Hart describes it. Monroe understood that the budding country required a professional military (instead of volunteer militias) and that borders had to be secured. He was the nation’s first modern “national security” president (Hart). Shockingly, Monroe struggled with finances and died mostly in poverty, much of his money spent entertaining people as his jobs required.
Finally, Monroe, working with JQ Adams behind the scenes, proclaimed the 1823 Monroe Doctrine. Historians like Salvador de Madariaga dismiss it as a “cloak for Yankee suffocation”, but it was a bold statement that declared to the world that the Americas were closed to new colonial conquest, otherwise it would be viewed as a hostile act. Monroe viewed the Americas as the forward-thinking hemisphere for democracy/republic values while viewing the Old World as an antiquated one run by monarchy. Interestingly, the doctrine was never passed by Congress but it was widely accepted. There were exceptions to it – France invading Mexico in the 1860s, the USSR in Cuba in the 1960s, etc. but otherwise it has had a huge long-term impact.
All in all, this was a very good book about an understudied US President.
Often a glossed-over period of US history, Monroe was president from 1817-1825 in the “Era of Good Feelings”. Re-elected in 1820 nearly unanimously (one electoral college voter purposely did not vote for him to keep George Washington as the only unanimous president), the US enjoyed a political unity that was almost unique in its divisive history. Monroe’s cabinet was a team of ambitious rivals that included John Calhoun and John Quincy Adams. Prior to his presidency, Monroe served as the key diplomat in the Louisiana Purchase deal and experienced a lot as a long-time diplomat in Europe.
Monroe was a military man by nature. Like George Washington, Monroe fought in the American Revolution, hailed from Virginia, owned slaves (felt less guilt about it compared to Washington/Jefferson), and was a straightforward/honest man of more “limited dimensions” as Hart describes it. Monroe understood that the budding country required a professional military (instead of volunteer militias) and that borders had to be secured. He was the nation’s first modern “national security” president (Hart). Shockingly, Monroe struggled with finances and died mostly in poverty, much of his money spent entertaining people as his jobs required.
Finally, Monroe, working with JQ Adams behind the scenes, proclaimed the 1823 Monroe Doctrine. Historians like Salvador de Madariaga dismiss it as a “cloak for Yankee suffocation”, but it was a bold statement that declared to the world that the Americas were closed to new colonial conquest, otherwise it would be viewed as a hostile act. Monroe viewed the Americas as the forward-thinking hemisphere for democracy/republic values while viewing the Old World as an antiquated one run by monarchy. Interestingly, the doctrine was never passed by Congress but it was widely accepted. There were exceptions to it – France invading Mexico in the 1860s, the USSR in Cuba in the 1960s, etc. but otherwise it has had a huge long-term impact.
All in all, this was a very good book about an understudied US President.
January 23, 2026
Short -- even for this series -- but solid.
What do I know of Jimmy Monroe? I retain from Founding Rivals some notion of Monroe as a fundamentally military man, in opposition to his strictly-political allies like Jefferson and Madison, and that he was the last of the “Virginia Dynasty”. As it turns out, while Monroe did not theorize about politics as much as his more literary predecessors, he was quite good at practicing it. An early biographer argued that Monroe was unique among the founding generation in that he did not have a ‘retiring’ idea of America; he saw navigating European relations a vital part of creating a future for the fledgling nation. Managing both the departments of State and War during the War of 1812 made that grimly clear. Navigating relations could take different forms, of course — working with his Sec. State John Quincy Adams to propagate the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Americas off-limits to future colonization — as well as navigating Russian claims along the West Coast, and figuring out how to respond to the burst of Bolivarian republics as South America began driving the dons out. Given how acrimonious relation had been between the Federalists and Republicans, Monroe’s ability to work with men like Adams and Jackson is a pleasure to witness. Monroe and Adams were rivals, but accomplished collaborators — prompted by Monroe’s realism and Adams’ inherited sense of duty and responsibility. Monroe strikes me in this book as an independent actor: despite being a soldier devoted to his commander in chief, Monroe was not afraid to push back against some of Washington’s policies, and he exchanged letters with Jefferson, another mentor, arguing about foreign policy. After leaving office, Monroe was greeted with tragedies — the deaths of his wife and son-in-law — and died in near poverty some five years after Thomas Jefferson — but, like Jefferson and Adams, on July 4th. All told, this is a very compact but readable and fair guide to Monroe’s presidency, and it has some fun surprises like Jackson seizing Pensacola just because he could, and Monroe having to break up a duel between two men whose spat began with the apparent quoting of Shakespeare.
What do I know of Jimmy Monroe? I retain from Founding Rivals some notion of Monroe as a fundamentally military man, in opposition to his strictly-political allies like Jefferson and Madison, and that he was the last of the “Virginia Dynasty”. As it turns out, while Monroe did not theorize about politics as much as his more literary predecessors, he was quite good at practicing it. An early biographer argued that Monroe was unique among the founding generation in that he did not have a ‘retiring’ idea of America; he saw navigating European relations a vital part of creating a future for the fledgling nation. Managing both the departments of State and War during the War of 1812 made that grimly clear. Navigating relations could take different forms, of course — working with his Sec. State John Quincy Adams to propagate the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Americas off-limits to future colonization — as well as navigating Russian claims along the West Coast, and figuring out how to respond to the burst of Bolivarian republics as South America began driving the dons out. Given how acrimonious relation had been between the Federalists and Republicans, Monroe’s ability to work with men like Adams and Jackson is a pleasure to witness. Monroe and Adams were rivals, but accomplished collaborators — prompted by Monroe’s realism and Adams’ inherited sense of duty and responsibility. Monroe strikes me in this book as an independent actor: despite being a soldier devoted to his commander in chief, Monroe was not afraid to push back against some of Washington’s policies, and he exchanged letters with Jefferson, another mentor, arguing about foreign policy. After leaving office, Monroe was greeted with tragedies — the deaths of his wife and son-in-law — and died in near poverty some five years after Thomas Jefferson — but, like Jefferson and Adams, on July 4th. All told, this is a very compact but readable and fair guide to Monroe’s presidency, and it has some fun surprises like Jackson seizing Pensacola just because he could, and Monroe having to break up a duel between two men whose spat began with the apparent quoting of Shakespeare.
December 27, 2021
* cues up "Monkey Business by Skid Row *
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Gary Hart, the former senator from Colorado and failed presidential candidate, has written a chronicle of James Monroe's adult life. He is assisted in the endeavor by renowned political historian Arthur M. Schlesinger.
Hart traces Monroe's career from his days as a Revolutionary War soldier to his presidency. His argument is that James Monroe was America's first national security president. He spent much of his adult life with America being surrounded by the British to the north (Canada), Spain to the southeast (Florida), and France to the west (Louisiana Territory), and then later on conflicts with both Russia and England in the Pacific Northwest. Even after the US obtained much of what constitutes much of the eastern 2/3rds of the country by 1816, Monroe realized that two oceans were not going to be able to isolate the country if war came. Indeed, the burning of Washington in 1814 only served to prove his point.
Two items bring out this particular thesis of Hart's. The first is that the book was written in 2005, still with the events of 9/11 fully in the rear view mirror. The second is that Hart served a three-year stint as co-chair of the US Commission on National Security for the 21st century. The former senator's experiences help shed a different light on the fifth president. It is a refreshing perspective on a 19th century president.
The book is an easy read at just 15o pages. The book does suffer from too many quotations from Harry Ammon's biography of Monroe. While a book of such length is not suited for in depth analysis and source material, Hart should have been able to make his case without such a reliance on this one source. That should not deter anyone from reading this book.
BOTTOM LINE: Hart doesn't need to taunt you to read this book. His life is boring; just ask him.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Gary Hart, the former senator from Colorado and failed presidential candidate, has written a chronicle of James Monroe's adult life. He is assisted in the endeavor by renowned political historian Arthur M. Schlesinger.
Hart traces Monroe's career from his days as a Revolutionary War soldier to his presidency. His argument is that James Monroe was America's first national security president. He spent much of his adult life with America being surrounded by the British to the north (Canada), Spain to the southeast (Florida), and France to the west (Louisiana Territory), and then later on conflicts with both Russia and England in the Pacific Northwest. Even after the US obtained much of what constitutes much of the eastern 2/3rds of the country by 1816, Monroe realized that two oceans were not going to be able to isolate the country if war came. Indeed, the burning of Washington in 1814 only served to prove his point.
Two items bring out this particular thesis of Hart's. The first is that the book was written in 2005, still with the events of 9/11 fully in the rear view mirror. The second is that Hart served a three-year stint as co-chair of the US Commission on National Security for the 21st century. The former senator's experiences help shed a different light on the fifth president. It is a refreshing perspective on a 19th century president.
The book is an easy read at just 15o pages. The book does suffer from too many quotations from Harry Ammon's biography of Monroe. While a book of such length is not suited for in depth analysis and source material, Hart should have been able to make his case without such a reliance on this one source. That should not deter anyone from reading this book.
BOTTOM LINE: Hart doesn't need to taunt you to read this book. His life is boring; just ask him.
July 29, 2022
Politician Gary Hart wrote a political biography of James Monroe for the American Presidents series published in 2005. Gary Hart was a senator from Colorado who became an advisor on national security issues after leaving the senate in the presidential administrations of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Hart’s background in national security influences Hart’s biography of Monroe because Hart views Monroe as the “first national security president” (8) which Hart defines in the case of Monroe as “whose consistent underlying motivation was to expend and establish the borders of the United State and make it the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, free of European interference” (8). Hart believes that James Monroe is a misunderstood president (8). Hart also believes the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 is misunderstood (140). I read Hart’s biography of Monroe on a Kindle. Hart’s biography of Monroe has a timeline. Hart’s book has an “Introduction: James Monroe, Soldier” (1) which is a chapter that introduces themes that appear throughout the book. Similar to other American Presidents series, Hart’s biography of Monroe is short, compelling, and well-researched. On a side note, Steve of the blog, My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies has excellent reviews of several of The American Presidents series biographies.
Work Cited:
“Gary Hart.” About. Truman Center for National Policy. Accessed: July 29, 2022. Truman Center for National Policy | Gary Hart
Work Cited:
“Gary Hart.” About. Truman Center for National Policy. Accessed: July 29, 2022. Truman Center for National Policy | Gary Hart
October 24, 2025
I can’t really say I was disappointed in this book. It is after all from a series designed as an introduction to each of our Presidents. It is not supposed to be all encompassing or the definitive biography of James Monroe. Thinking in those terms it does what it sets out to do.
Probably the main theme of this book is that James Monroe was our first president to consider national security. He worked to build a relatively strong military and worked to strengthen our nations defense through a system of coastal and inland fortifications. While he did not get everything he wanted he did manage to strengthen and improve the country’s defenses. I feel that the author, Gary Hart, yes that Gary Hart , does an excellent job.
But there are problems. There are a few times in this volume where a topic is mentioned and then it’s barely discussed, leaving the reader wondering. Then that topic is brought up again and examined more thoroughly in the next chapter. Two examples are Monroe’s suggestion for defending the capital during the war of 1812 and his announcement of what came to be known as the Monroe Doctrine telling the powers of Europe to stay out of the Americas. This practice lead to a fair amount of repetition. Perhaps tightening up the narrative would have allowed for more discussion of other topics. Still, a fairly readable and informative effort.
Probably the main theme of this book is that James Monroe was our first president to consider national security. He worked to build a relatively strong military and worked to strengthen our nations defense through a system of coastal and inland fortifications. While he did not get everything he wanted he did manage to strengthen and improve the country’s defenses. I feel that the author, Gary Hart, yes that Gary Hart , does an excellent job.
But there are problems. There are a few times in this volume where a topic is mentioned and then it’s barely discussed, leaving the reader wondering. Then that topic is brought up again and examined more thoroughly in the next chapter. Two examples are Monroe’s suggestion for defending the capital during the war of 1812 and his announcement of what came to be known as the Monroe Doctrine telling the powers of Europe to stay out of the Americas. This practice lead to a fair amount of repetition. Perhaps tightening up the narrative would have allowed for more discussion of other topics. Still, a fairly readable and informative effort.
February 11, 2020
This book tells of Monroe's life from his participation in the Revolutionary War, his work as a diplomat, his work on the Madison cabinet and as 5th president of the United States.
This book continues my quest to read a biography of each president. There is a blog I consult that lists the best biographies of each president, according to the blogger. The blogger noted only two selections for Monroe, this one that was opinionated and a 700 page one that was more complete, but dry. I chose this one because it was shorter, and I looked forward to the "opinionated" aspect, but this book was considerably dry (and repetitive). So glad I did not choose the "dry" 700-page one! I read this book and at around page 100, thought I might just end there instead of finishing the remaining 50-ish pages. Instead, I skipped the last chapter and went to the conclusion. The conclusion, surprisingly, was much more engaging from the book and gave a great overview of Monroe's leadership to solidify the US as a nation to itself. So my recommendation would be to read just the conclusion of this book.
This book continues my quest to read a biography of each president. There is a blog I consult that lists the best biographies of each president, according to the blogger. The blogger noted only two selections for Monroe, this one that was opinionated and a 700 page one that was more complete, but dry. I chose this one because it was shorter, and I looked forward to the "opinionated" aspect, but this book was considerably dry (and repetitive). So glad I did not choose the "dry" 700-page one! I read this book and at around page 100, thought I might just end there instead of finishing the remaining 50-ish pages. Instead, I skipped the last chapter and went to the conclusion. The conclusion, surprisingly, was much more engaging from the book and gave a great overview of Monroe's leadership to solidify the US as a nation to itself. So my recommendation would be to read just the conclusion of this book.
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