Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, asserting 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 became a cornerstone of American foreign policy, shaping relations with European nations and asserting U.S. influence over 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 on December 2, 1823.
2. This doctrine was largely a response to fears of renewed European colonial expansion in the Americas, especially after Latin American countries gained independence from Spain.
3. While initially more symbolic than practical, the Monroe Doctrine was invoked by U.S. leaders throughout the 19th century to justify American intervention in Latin America.
4. The doctrine established a clear distinction between the Western Hemisphere and European powers, asserting that any interference would be considered a threat to U.S. security.
5. The Monroe Doctrine laid the groundwork for future U.S. policies in Latin America, influencing actions taken throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect America's foreign policy priorities in the early 19th century?
  • The Monroe Doctrine reflected America's desire to assert its influence in the Western Hemisphere while opposing European colonialism. It showcased the U.S.'s commitment to protecting newly independent nations in Latin America from external interference and highlighted a growing sense of nationalism and self-identity as a nation distinct from European powers. This policy helped establish a framework for American foreign relations and asserted U.S. dominance in regional affairs.
• Evaluate how the Monroe Doctrine influenced U.S.-Latin American relations throughout the 19th century.
  • The Monroe Doctrine significantly influenced U.S.-Latin American relations by establishing a precedent for American intervention in the region whenever U.S. interests were perceived to be threatened. It justified various interventions, including military actions, economic policies, and political maneuvers, reinforcing a paternalistic attitude towards Latin American nations. Over time, this led to resentment among some Latin Americans who viewed U.S. actions as imperialistic rather than protective, complicating diplomatic relations.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on U.S. foreign policy into the 20th century and beyond.
  • The long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on U.S. foreign policy include a consistent pattern of interventionist strategies in Latin America and an assertion of dominance over regional affairs that lasted well into the 20th century. With the introduction of the Roosevelt Corollary, the doctrine evolved to justify military interventions under the guise of maintaining order and stability, leading to significant U.S. involvement in countries like Cuba and Nicaragua. This legacy continues to affect contemporary U.S.-Latin American relations, as issues of sovereignty and intervention remain contentious topics.

Related terms

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

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to limit its involvement in international affairs and conflicts.

Roosevelt Corollary: An addition to the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, stating that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American countries to stabilize them if they were unable to maintain order.