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    Elizabeth Monroe’s Journey from Parisian Prison to White House

    enAugust 29, 2022

    Podcast Summary

    • Saving a French Aristocrat's Life: Elizabeth Monroe's Exciting MomentBorn into a wealthy New York family, Elizabeth Monroe was a reserved First Lady during James Monroe's presidency in the era of good feelings. She experienced excitement by saving a French aristocrat's life.

      Elizabeth Monroe, who served as the First Lady during the era of good feelings in the early 19th century, was a reserved and introverted woman from a wealthy New York family. Despite her quiet demeanor, she experienced excitement in her life, including saving a French aristocrat's life in a dramatic moment. Historians refer to her husband James Monroe's presidency as the era of good feelings due to the lack of divisive politics and the merging of the Democratic Republicans and Federalist parties. Elizabeth Monroe was born into a family of wealth, with her father Lawrence making profits as a merchant and founding member of the New York Chamber of Commerce during the French and Indian War. Despite their prosperity, the Monroes were not flashy or politically divisive, reflecting the peaceful era in which they served.

    • Elizabeth Courtright's Unexpected Encounter with James MonroeA 16-year-old girl from a struggling New York family catches the attention of a continental congressman, leading to an unexpected marriage and new life in Virginia.

      Elizabeth Courtright, a 16-year-old girl from a wealthy New York family, turned heads at the theater with her quiet grace and attractiveness, catching the attention of James Monroe, a continental congressman. Monroe, a thoughtful and unpretentious man, married Elizabeth a few months later, despite her family's financial difficulties. The couple moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where James set up his law practice, and Elizabeth gave birth to their first child, Eliza, soon after. The text also reveals that Elizabeth had 4 older siblings, and her mother died during childbirth, leaving the children to be raised with the help of enslaved servants. Despite the family's struggles, Elizabeth was schooled in the social graces befitting a wealthy New York lady. The text provides a glimpse into the lives of the Courtright family during a time of financial hardship and the unexpected way Elizabeth's life was changed by her encounter with James Monroe.

    • Elizabeth Monroe's Role in Establishing US Diplomacy in FranceDuring the French Revolution, Elizabeth Monroe adapted to French culture, securing US respect and support through sophisticated image projection.

      During James Monroe's tenure as the US ambassador to France in the late 1700s, his wife, Elizabeth, played a crucial role in establishing the United States as a sophisticated and respected nation among the French elite. Despite the ongoing French Revolution, which was marked by instability and violence, Elizabeth adapted to the culture and even enrolled their daughter in a French school and adopted French fashion. This approach helped the Monroes project an image of dignity and respect, which was essential for securing France's support during a pivotal time in American history. The Monroes' experience contrasted sharply with earlier American diplomats, who were seen as plain and humble, and their success in navigating the complex political climate of France set an important precedent for future diplomatic relations.

    • The French Revolution: A Time of Fear and Violence, and the Unable Rescue of Adrienne de LafayetteThe French Revolution saw over 17,000 executions, including targets like Marie Antoinette and Adrienne de Lafayette. LinkedIn offers access to a unique pool of professionals for small business hiring. Lume deodorant uses mandelic acid to control odor for up to 72 hours, and OneSkin's products are perfect for self-care on Mother's Day

      The French Revolution was a period of extreme violence and fear, during which over 17,000 people were executed, many by beheading. Marie Antoinette and Adrienne de Lafayette were among those targeted. While this dark chapter of history unfolded, Lafayette, a celebrated revolutionary war hero and personal friend of George Washington, was unable to save his wife from imprisonment. Switching gears, if you're a small business owner looking to hire, LinkedIn is the place to be. With over 70% of its users not visiting other leading job sites, LinkedIn offers access to a unique pool of professionals, even those not actively seeking new opportunities. Moving on, personal hygiene is essential, and Lume whole body deodorant offers a solution to unwanted odors. Unlike other products, Lume uses mandelic acid to control odor for up to 72 hours. Its creator was inspired by patients' concerns, and today, Lume boasts over 300,005 five-star reviews. Lastly, as Mother's Day approaches, it's essential to remember the importance of self-care. OneSkin's products, with their easy-to-incorporate formulas and proprietary OS one peptide, make a perfect addition to any skincare routine.

    • Elizabeth Monroe's intervention saves Marquis de Lafayette's wife and impacts diplomacyElizabeth Monroe's bravery prevented a diplomatic crisis and influenced US-France relations. OneSkin's innovative approach offers potential for skin aging reversal.

      The actions of Elizabeth Monroe during the French Revolution not only saved the life of Marquis de Lafayette's wife, Adrienne Lafayette, but also influenced diplomatic relations between America and France. Meanwhile, in a different context, OneSkin, the world's first skin longevity company, offers a scientific approach to keep skin looking and acting younger by targeting the cellular aspects of aging. Using the code SHARON, you can get 15% off your purchase at oneskin.co. The historical event and the skincare brand may seem unrelated, but both highlight the power of intervention and making a difference. Elizabeth Monroe's brave act prevented a diplomatic crisis, while OneSkin's innovative approach can potentially turn back the hands of time for your skin.

    • Entertaining in London despite challengesElizabeth Monroe maintained social connections, despite strained US-British relations, and her oldest daughter Eliza became a socialite, while in modern times, Pretty Litter offers affordable pet health monitoring, and UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical plans provide flexible coverage for those in between jobs

      Elizabeth Monroe, the wife of President James Monroe, continued to entertain elegantly despite her poor health and the challenges they faced during their time as the US Minister to Great Britain and Spain in London. Her oldest daughter, Eliza, became a socialite and made influential friends during their time abroad. Meanwhile, the need for affordable and convenient health monitoring for pets has led to the creation of Pretty Litter, a health monitoring litter that can detect early signs of illness. Back in the early 1800s, Elizabeth and her family faced social challenges in London due to the strained relationship between the US and Great Britain. However, they were able to maintain connections with old friends and even attend significant events, such as Napoleon Bonaparte's coronation. When they returned to the US, they did so with both of their daughters by their side. In modern times, the importance of health insurance remains constant, and UnitedHealthcare TriTerm Medical plans offer budget-friendly, flexible coverage for those in between jobs or missed open enrollment. In summary, whether it's entertaining elegantly in the early 1800s or ensuring the health of pets in the present day, the need for connection and care remains a constant.

    • Elizabeth Monroe's European-inspired formal approach as First Lady faced criticismElizabeth Monroe, influenced by European traditions, established a more exclusive European-inspired standard as First Lady, but her formal approach and refusal to engage socially led to criticism and rebellion from Washington society

      Elizabeth Monroe, the wife of President James Monroe, faced criticism for her aloof demeanor and formal approach to being the First Lady during her husband's presidency. Having spent little time in social circles in Washington D.C. prior to her husband's presidency, Elizabeth's reputation as a "snob" preceded her. During the renovations of the White House after it was burned down, she refused to attend the public reception following her husband's inauguration, further fueling the rumors. Elizabeth was influenced by European traditions and valued formality, which contrasted with the social and entertaining style of her predecessor, Dolly Madison. Her goal was to establish a more exclusive European-inspired standard and preserve her health due to her seizures. However, her refusal to engage in social calls with new legislators' wives led to rebellion from the women of Washington society, who found her and her daughter, Eliza, who took on the role of hostess, abrasive and rude. Despite the criticism, Elizabeth and Eliza maintained their formal and exclusive social circle.

    • Setting a new standard for presidential social eventsElizabeth Monroe, the first lady during James Monroe's presidency, maintained a private and elite image for White House weddings and demonstrated compassion during a malaria outbreak, refurbished the White House, and retired to focus on her health, setting new standards for presidential spouses.

      Elizabeth Monroe, the first lady during James Monroe's presidency, worked to maintain a private and elite image for the White House wedding, which set a new standard for presidential social events. Despite her apparent snobbery, she demonstrated compassion and care for the sick during a malaria outbreak. Elizabeth was instrumental in the White House's refurbishment, repurposing discarded glass into shaving mirrors. After leaving the White House, she retired to Oak Hill and focused on her health, unlike previous first ladies who continued to entertain guests. Tragically, both Elizabeth and her husband, James, died within a year of each other, with James predicting that he would not survive without her. An interesting side note is that her daughter, Eliza, was married to George Hay, who later served as prosecutor in the treason trial of Aaron Burr.

    • Little-known heroine Elizabeth Monroe saved Adrienne de la PayetteElizabeth Monroe's courage and resilience saved Adrienne de la Payette's life, highlighting the importance of sharing overlooked histories.

      The podcast episode featured the story of Elizabeth Monroe, a little-known heroine who saved Adrienne de la Payette. Despite being acquitted, her story is worth sharing. The podcast encourages listeners to support the show by following, subscribing, leaving ratings or reviews, and sharing episodes. This episode was written, researched, produced, edited, mixed, and hosted by a team of dedicated individuals. Elizabeth Monroe's story is a testament to courage and resilience, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing overlooked histories. So, take a moment to learn from the past and help spread the word about inspiring stories like Elizabeth's.

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