Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy established in 1823 that declared the Americas closed to further European colonization and interference. This doctrine asserted that any European attempt to extend its influence in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as an act of aggression, justifying U.S. intervention. It laid the groundwork for future American foreign policy in Latin America and reflected the growing sense of national identity and independence from European powers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Monroe Doctrine was first articulated by President James Monroe during his annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.
2. The doctrine was largely a response to fears of European powers re-colonizing newly independent nations in Latin America following their independence from Spain.
3. Though initially lacking enforcement power, the Monroe Doctrine became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Latin America.
4. The doctrine was invoked multiple times throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, including during the Spanish-American War and in responses to European interventions in Latin America.
5. The Monroe Doctrine set a precedent for American intervention in Latin America, which was justified under the guise of protecting nations from European dominance.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect American attitudes toward European powers in the early 19th century?
  • The Monroe Doctrine demonstrated a growing confidence in American identity and sovereignty, rejecting European intervention as a threat to newly independent nations in Latin America. It illustrated the U.S. desire to assert itself as a regional power while promoting its own political ideals of freedom and democracy. The doctrine signified a clear division between the Old World of Europe and the New World of the Americas, showing that the U.S. was ready to protect its interests against foreign influence.
• Discuss how the Monroe Doctrine influenced future U.S. foreign policy decisions in Latin America.
  • The Monroe Doctrine laid the foundation for future U.S. interventions in Latin America by framing European involvement as a direct challenge to American sovereignty. This mindset led to various policies, such as Big Stick Diplomacy and Dollar Diplomacy, which further extended American influence in the region. By defining itself as a protector of Latin American states against European colonization, the U.S. justified interventions that often prioritized its strategic interests over those of local populations.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on U.S.-Latin American relations throughout history.
  • The long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine have been significant, as it shaped perceptions of U.S. intentions in Latin America for over a century. While it aimed to protect emerging nations from colonialism, it also fostered a perception of American paternalism and interventionism that has led to both cooperation and conflict. The doctrine set a precedent for U.S. actions that were often viewed as imperialistic, contributing to lasting tensions between Latin American countries and the United States as they navigated their own paths toward self-determination amidst external influence.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

American Exceptionalism: The idea that the United States has a unique mission to transform the world and promote democracy and freedom, often rooted in its history and values.

Big Stick Diplomacy: A foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing negotiation backed by the threat of military force, particularly in Latin America.