Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy statement made in 1823 that declared the Americas closed to further European colonization and interference. It established a significant principle of U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, asserting that any European attempts to reclaim or expand territory in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression, warranting U.S. intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Monroe Doctrine was articulated by President James Monroe during his annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.
2. Initially, the Monroe Doctrine was aimed at preventing European powers from interfering in the newly independent nations of Latin America.
3. The doctrine was not enforced until later years, with the U.S. often relying on British naval power to deter European intervention in the Americas.
4. Over time, the Monroe Doctrine evolved into a justification for U.S. intervention in Latin America, contributing to a pattern of American imperialism.
5. The Monroe Doctrine laid the groundwork for future U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of protecting U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect the United States' views on European colonization and influence in the Americas?
  • The Monroe Doctrine reflected a strong stance against European colonization and interference, showcasing the United States' desire to assert its sovereignty over the Western Hemisphere. By declaring that further European efforts to colonize or influence countries in North and South America would be viewed as hostile acts, it established a protective barrier around the Americas. This doctrine not only demonstrated America's growing confidence but also marked an important shift in U.S. foreign policy towards a more interventionist approach.
• In what ways did the Roosevelt Corollary build upon the original Monroe Doctrine, and what implications did this have for U.S.-Latin American relations?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary expanded on the Monroe Doctrine by asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to maintain order and stability. This shift transformed the doctrine from a policy of non-colonization into one that justified U.S. interventionism, often leading to military involvement in various Latin American nations. The implications were significant; while it aimed to protect American interests and prevent European intervention, it also fostered resentment and resistance among Latin American countries towards perceived U.S. imperialism.
• Evaluate how the principles of the Monroe Doctrine have influenced contemporary U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America.
  • The principles of the Monroe Doctrine continue to influence contemporary U.S. foreign policy by establishing a precedent for American engagement and intervention in Latin America. The notion of protecting U.S. interests from external influence has led to various policies ranging from economic support to direct military interventions throughout history. In recent years, this legacy can be seen in responses to crises in countries like Venezuela and Cuba, where the U.S. government often frames its actions as necessary for regional stability and security, echoing Monroe's original intent to deter European involvement.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, asserting the U.S. right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy approach where a country avoids political or military involvement in international affairs, especially concerning European conflicts.