1758: Born in Virginia

1775: American Revolution begins; Monroe is assigned to Third Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army in 1776

1783: Is member of Continental Congress

1787: Monroe votes against ratification of the Constitution on grounds that it establishes excessive federal power; supports Constitution after it is ratified

1790-94: Serves as U.S. senator

1794: Resigns from Senate to serve as a diplomat to France

1799-1802: Serves as governor of Virginia

1803-7: Serves as minister to France and England ; helps negotiate the Louisiana Purchase

1811-17: Serves as secretary of state

1814-15: Serves as secretary of war

1816: Monroe elected president; "Era of Good Feelings" begins

1819: Florida ceded by Spain to the United States

1820: Missouri Compromise forbids slavery above the southern border of Missouri ; Monroe reelected

1823: Monroe Doctrine delivered to Congress

1831: Dies in New York