Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. policy established in 1823 that asserted opposition to European colonialism in the Americas and declared that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as a hostile act. This doctrine marked a significant turning point in U.S. foreign policy and established a precedent for future presidential actions regarding American influence and intervention in the Western Hemisphere.

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 largely symbolic and relied on British naval power for enforcement since Britain supported U.S. opposition to further European colonization in the Americas.
3. Over time, the doctrine became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, justifying interventions in Latin America and influencing relationships with other nations.
4. The Monroe Doctrine was invoked during various conflicts, including the Spanish-American War and U.S. interventions in Central America throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
5. The doctrine laid the groundwork for America's self-identified role as a protector of democracy and stability in the Western Hemisphere.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reshape U.S. foreign relations with European powers during its initial establishment?
  • The Monroe Doctrine significantly reshaped U.S. foreign relations by firmly opposing European colonialism in the Americas, which set a clear boundary between American and European spheres of influence. It asserted that any attempt by European nations to colonize or interfere with states in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as an act of aggression against the United States. This policy not only reinforced American sovereignty but also encouraged a sense of national identity and independence from European influence.
• Discuss how later presidents used the Monroe Doctrine to justify their foreign policies, especially regarding Latin America.
  • Later presidents, particularly Theodore Roosevelt, expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine to justify more direct intervention in Latin American affairs through policies like the Roosevelt Corollary. This approach framed U.S. intervention as necessary to maintain order and stability in neighboring countries, asserting that the U.S. could intervene in cases of chronic wrongdoing or instability. This transformation indicated a shift from passive defense against colonialism to active involvement in regional politics under the guise of protecting democratic principles.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on American foreign policy and its impact on relationships with Latin American countries.
  • The long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on American foreign policy have been profound, establishing a precedent for U.S. interventionism in Latin America under various justifications over time. It fostered a complex relationship marked by suspicion and resentment among Latin American nations, as many viewed U.S. actions as imperialistic rather than protective. As America increasingly positioned itself as a regional hegemon, this doctrine contributed to cycles of intervention and resistance that shaped inter-American relations well into the 20th century and beyond.

Related terms

Isolationism: A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to avoid involvement in international alliances and conflicts, focusing instead on its own national interests.

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

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, which stated that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin American nations to maintain stability.