James Monroe was the 5th US President. August, 1814 was a dark time in American history. During the War of 1812, a war which lasted into early 1815, the British army had marched into Washington DC and set fire to the White House, the Capitol and other important buildings. The morale of the country was low. There was talk of secession in New England, breaking up the Union. The British were planning to attack and take New Orleans, Louisiana, the gate way for the Mississippi River system. President James Madison was depressed. He turned to James Monroe who took on the dual roles of Secretary of State and War. Monroe rallied the country in the successful defense of Baltimore, immortalized in the song "The Star Spangled Banner" and more importantly the defense of New Orleans. James Monroe played a major role in American victories in Baltimore and New Orleans. As a result, the US earned British respect, talk of secession ended and Americans felt a sense of pride and optimism for the future. God bless James Monroe, a man who served his country well!
