US Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine was an American policy set forth in 1823 stating that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression requiring U.S. intervention.

Analogy

Imagine your neighborhood as America and you've declared your yard off-limits for other kids' games without your permission. That's what America did with the Monroe Doctrine - they basically told Europe to stay out of their 'yard'.

Related terms

Imperialism: This is policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political control over other areas.

Colonialism: This is the policy of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Manifest Destiny: This was a widely held belief in 19th-century United States that its settlers were destined to expand across North America.