Since the birth of our nation, the sanctity of American democracy has remained a carefully cherished and highly valued treasure. American leaders have, as a matter of tradition, unflinchingly and ardently pursued the protection of our shores, and, in this matter, there is a substantive parallel to be drawn between our modern policies of Homeland Defense, and those of the legendary president, James Monroe.
In his time, James Monroe, a friend and colleague of fellow politicians James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, championed the preservation of a carefully contained government – a government that would adhere in every respect to the letter of the Constitution. Yet while he aimed for a small, unembellished government, he did see the inarguable importance of a strong and sizeable defense for his young nation. As president, this philosophy was reflected in his actions: his part in the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase , the adoption of his hemisphere-sealing Monroe Doctrine, and, perhaps most relevant to the matter at hand, his role in the creation of a network of coastal fortifications for the eastern seaboard.
The beginning of Monroe’s commitment to coastal defense came at a point in time coincident with several crucial expansions in American territorial claims: the 1818 seizure of Florida lands under General Andrew Jackson, and the consequent 1819 Adams Onis Treaty, under which the Spanish officially ceded all Florida lands as an appendage to the existing boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase .
Under Monroe’s direction, and liberated from the stifling atmosphere that had existed as a result of Spain’s presence in the Florida territories, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams turned the attention of the American government to South and Central America. Interested in newly independent nations such as Mexico and Argentina, Adams saw quickly that it would be necessary to prevent Spain from attempting to recover these “lost colonies” . In a joint gesture with Britain, Monroe hastily issued what became forever known as the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ – an order sealing the western hemisphere from the intervention of all European states (with the minor exception of cosignatory Britain) .
This action, consistent with Monroe’s lifetime policies of protectionism and solid defense, forever joined the fates of the two Americas in a common political brotherhood an association of which all countries involved are still very much a part.
In any case, it may have been these events or the economically destructive Panic of 1819 that delayed the initial construction of what would become Fort Monroe from1817 to 1819; yet, despite these delays, this coastal Virginia stronghold, begun during James Monroe’s tenure, did indeed come to its final fruition by 1834 .
More than a simple gesture of strength, the creation of Fort Monroe was a decisive action taken in response to a very real and very costly injury suffered by the United States. It was the War of 1812 that made clear the value of a strong coastal defense – and the humiliating, morale-shattering capture and burning of Washington, D.C. in 1814 that taught America, for what may have been the first time, to truly fear the consequences of a lack of preparedness. What Monroe effected in the fort’s creation was nothing less than the culmination of years of bitter lessons drawn out of the ashes of the War of 1812.
One hundred and eighty-eight years have passed since the walls of Washington came to the earth aflame – yet the dangers facing the health of the American state are no less present than they were those years ago. September 11, 2002 saw a violent injury inflicted on all Americans, at the hands of a small band of cowardly terrorists. The integrity of our nation’s defense was compromised in the most awful of ways, and the repercussions of the attacks were felt in every corner of the globe.
The parallel between the two situations, historical and present, is clear. The leaders, of course, are different: the principled constructionist Monroe and the charismatic conservative Bush. The catalyst, too, is different, in magnitude and situation: the fire-wreathed destruction of our nation’s capitol as compared to the senseless cessation of thousands of American lives in a terrorist attack. Yet despite these differences, it cannot be disputed that in each case, a powerful leader was called upon to meet a wound inflicted upon the nation with a reaffirmation of his beliefs, and a decisive response was necessary.
In the case of Monroe, the actions taken in response to the catalyst were designed to seal the nation away from the threats facing her. Rather than flinch or relent, Monroe, in the case of the repercussions of the War of 1812, not only reacted, but also laid the groundwork for “preventive defense”, evidence of a degree of foresight and intelligence not always conceded to him by his fellow politicians . In short, Monroe’s actions at the time held fast to what would become the finest traditions of American leadership: quick, decisive response combined with thoughtful preparation for the future.
The situation today is more complex. President Bush and his cabinet cannot, under the close and careful scrutiny of the global community, pursue the same territory-expanding agenda or the same nationalistic foreign policy measures that Monroe could. Crises occur now in much more sprawling magnitude, and as much as it would be preferable, global threats cannot be avoided by the construction of a fort or the proclamation of a doctrine as they could in the days of Monroe.
The essence of the matter, however, is the same – then as now. Much can be learned from the passionate patriotism and quick decisiveness exhibited by James Monroe during his days as commander-in-chief. His love of country and stern belief in her defense are surely shining examples for us all, and if history does indeed repeat itself, then perhaps a glimmer of the Monroe spirit can be seen in the actions of our governmental leadership today. With luck, Monroe’s tradition of pure and unmarred Americanism” will continue to thrive in the hearts and minds of all of our citizens.
Kegley, Charles W. Perspectives on American Foreign Policy: Selected Readings 1983, St. Martin’s Press. New York City, NY
Garraty, John A. 1,001 Things Everyone Should Know About American History 1989, Doubleday Publications. Toronto
Grolier Encyclopedia Online (ed.) http://gi.grolier.com/presidents/ea/bios/05pmonr.html, March 2002
History of Fort Monroe (ed.) http://www-tradoc.army.mil/cpac/history_of_fort_monroe.htm, March 2002
Unger, Dr. Irwin. Everyday American History: Through the Civil War and Reconstruction 1994, Byron Preiss Publications. Garden City, NY
