Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy statement made in 1823 that declared the Americas were no longer open to European colonization and that any intervention by European nations in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as acts of aggression. This policy became a key principle in American foreign relations, asserting the United States' influence and authority over the continent while promoting a sense of nationalism and unity among the newly independent Latin American nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Monroe Doctrine was primarily articulated in President James Monroe's annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.
2. It was initially aimed at preventing further European colonization in Latin America and countering the influence of Russia in North America.
3. The doctrine was largely a response to fears that European powers would try to reclaim former colonies in Latin America after many countries declared independence.
4. Though initially lacking enforcement power, the Monroe Doctrine set a precedent for U.S. intervention in hemispheric affairs in later years.
5. It became a cornerstone of American foreign policy and was invoked by various presidents throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries to justify interventions in Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect the political climate of the early 19th century United States, particularly in relation to European influence?
  • The Monroe Doctrine emerged from a context where newly independent Latin American nations sought to assert their sovereignty against potential European recolonization. This reflected a growing sense of nationalism within the United States, as leaders aimed to establish themselves as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere. By declaring that any European interference would be considered hostile, the U.S. positioned itself as a protector of these emerging nations while simultaneously asserting its own influence over regional affairs.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Monroe Doctrine on U.S.-Latin American relations throughout the 19th century.
  • The Monroe Doctrine had significant long-term implications for U.S.-Latin American relations by establishing a framework for American intervention in regional conflicts under the guise of protection. While it initially aimed to prevent European involvement, it also allowed for U.S. expansionism and interventionist policies, often disregarding Latin American sovereignty. This led to numerous military interventions, fostered resentment toward U.S. policies, and shaped the complex dynamics between the United States and Latin America for decades.
• Assess how the Monroe Doctrine influenced future U.S. foreign policy and its global standing by the late 19th century.
  • The Monroe Doctrine set a precedent for future U.S. foreign policy by establishing a clear stance against European colonization and interference in the Americas, which evolved into more assertive interventions under subsequent administrations. By the late 19th century, this doctrine justified actions like the Spanish-American War and interventions in Central America, reflecting an expansionist mentality that would shape America's role on the world stage. The doctrine's principles contributed to an American identity that viewed itself as a regional hegemon and later as a global power, influencing diplomatic relations well into the 20th century.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The belief that it was the United States' destiny to expand its territory across North America, often used to justify westward expansion and the displacement of Native Americans.

Isolationism: A foreign policy stance whereby a country seeks to avoid involvement in international alliances or conflicts, focusing instead on domestic issues.

Latin American Independence:

A series of revolutions in the early 19th century that led to the independence of several Latin American countries from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule.