Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. foreign policy statement made in 1823 that declared opposition to European colonialism in the Americas and asserted that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States. This doctrine established a significant foundation for American foreign policy and emphasized the idea of economic interdependence by promoting a sphere of influence for the United States in the Western Hemisphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Monroe Doctrine was articulated by President James Monroe during his seventh annual message to Congress in December 1823.
2. The doctrine was primarily aimed at preventing further European colonization and interference in the Western Hemisphere, particularly after Latin American countries gained independence from Spain.
3. The Monroe Doctrine signaled a shift in American foreign policy towards a more assertive role in international affairs, promoting regional stability and economic interdependence.
4. Although initially not taken seriously by European powers, the doctrine gained importance over time and was invoked by future U.S. presidents to justify interventions in Latin America.
5. The Monroe Doctrine laid the groundwork for future U.S. policies, including Roosevelt's Corollary, which expanded the doctrine to justify American intervention in Latin American nations.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine shape U.S. foreign policy and relations with European powers during its early years?
  • The Monroe Doctrine fundamentally altered U.S. foreign policy by clearly stating that the Americas were off-limits to European colonization and intervention. This assertion of sovereignty and territorial integrity allowed the United States to position itself as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, leading to greater diplomatic tensions with European nations who had interests in Latin America. By laying this groundwork, the doctrine shaped how future U.S. leaders would approach international relations with Europe.
• Evaluate the impact of the Monroe Doctrine on economic interdependence between the United States and Latin American countries.
  • The Monroe Doctrine created a protective barrier around Latin America, encouraging economic interdependence between the U.S. and its southern neighbors. By asserting that European powers could not interfere, it opened avenues for trade and investment from the U.S., which sought to strengthen its influence in the region. This led to increased economic ties and partnerships, as Latin American countries began to rely on American markets and capital for development.
• Assess how later interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine influenced U.S. interventionism in Latin America throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Later interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine evolved into a justification for increased U.S. interventionism in Latin America, especially with Roosevelt's Corollary which asserted the right to intervene in cases of 'chronic wrongdoing.' This led to multiple military interventions and political manipulation throughout Latin America, as U.S. leaders viewed such actions as necessary to maintain stability and protect American interests. These interventions often had lasting impacts on regional politics and economics, illustrating how the initial doctrine set a precedent for active American involvement in hemispheric affairs.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century doctrine that justified American expansion across North America, promoting the belief that it was the nation's destiny to expand its territory and influence.

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs, focusing instead on domestic issues.

Interventionism: A foreign policy stance advocating for a nation to intervene in the affairs of other countries, often through military action or economic pressure.