James Monroe is an important figure in American history. The spelling of his name is pronounced as /dʒeɪmz mənˈroʊ/, in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable of his first name is pronounced as "JAYMZ," with the "A" sound being pronounced as in the word "bay." The second syllable is pronounced as "MUHNR-oh," with the "UH" sound being pronounced as in the word "duh." The last name is pronounced as two syllables, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
James Monroe (1758-1831) was an American statesman and the fifth President of the United States, serving from 1817 to 1825. Born in Virginia, Monroe played a crucial role in shaping early American history and politics. His presidency, often referred to as the "Era of Good Feelings," saw substantial territorial expansion and the solidification of American nationalism.
Monroe’s contributions to American history extend beyond his tenure as president. He was an influential diplomat during the Revolutionary War, serving under George Washington. Monroe also played a key role in negotiating the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States, and later served as U.S. Minister to France and Britain.
Monroe's presidency was characterized by an emphasis on domestic unity and economic growth. His administration prioritized infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and canals, and the establishment of a national bank. Monroe is also renowned for his delivery of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. This doctrine declared that any intervention by European powers in the affairs of the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression towards the United States.
Known for his honest and steady leadership, James Monroe was widely respected by his contemporaries and subsequent generations. His presidency marked a period of significant growth and stability in the young American nation. Monroe's emphasis on national unity, territorial expansion, and the protection of American interests overseas solidified his legacy as one of the key architects of early American foreign policy.
The word "James Monroe" does not have an etymology, as it is the name of a person. Etymology refers to the study of the origin and history of words, particularly how their form and meaning have evolved throughout time. However, "James" and "Monroe" do have separate etymologies.
The name "James" is of Hebrew origin and comes from the Hebrew name "Yaʻaqov" (יַעֲקֹב). It ultimately derives from the Hebrew word "ʻāqēv" (עָקֵב), which means "heel" or "supplanter".
"Monroe" is a surname of Scottish origin. It is composed of two elements: "monadh", meaning "hill", and "róe", meaning "red", indicating a person who lived near a reddish hill.