James Madison And James Monroe: Influential Founding Fathers

Their names are similar; their life spans are almost identical and each was considered one of the most influential of the founding fathers. Yet despite their very different personalities, philosophies, and  achievements, most Americans today would have a hard time distinguishing one from another. This despite the fact that one of them is the primary author of the Constitution (James Madison) and the other is one of the greatest heroes of the Battle of Trenton. (James Monroe)  each served as president of the United States and their presidencies were very different as well.

We will look at the far ranging influence of these two great men.  As their lives intersected with people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, each was to become  revered for their patriotism, courage, wisdom, and enormous contributions to the growth of the new nation.