James Monroe had a close relationship with Thomas Jefferson

James Monroe had a close relationship with Thomas Jefferson - one of the interesting facts about James Monroe. James Monroe made the decision to pursue legal studies under Thomas Jefferson's guidance once the war was done. They discovered they had a lot in common right away, which led to the development of their relationship. From 1780 until 1783, he studied under Jefferson, and during that time, they were able to talk about a lot of topics that would later help Monroe build his own political opinions.

President James Monroe asked his friend and neighbor from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, for assistance on foreign affairs in a letter dated October 17, 1823. The question was whether or not to support Britain in a declaration opposing Spain's attempts to establish dominance in South America.

James Monroe also sought the advice of former President James Madison and Jefferson, who both suggested working with Britain. John Quincy Adams, Monroe's secretary of state, had a different viewpoint. He believed that the United States needs to steer clear of Britain. Monroe followed Adams' counsel, but he stated in the "Monroe Doctrine" that he was still in favor of the interests of Great Britain.