Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. foreign policy statement articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, declaring that any European intervention in the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression requiring U.S. intervention. This doctrine aimed to protect the newly independent nations in Latin America and asserted the United States' role as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere, reflecting an ideological stance against colonialism and imperialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Monroe Doctrine was primarily aimed at preventing European powers from re-establishing colonies or interfering in the affairs of independent nations in Latin America.
2. It was initially not backed by military force but relied on British naval power, as Britain had its own interests in keeping European rivals out of the Americas.
3. The doctrine became a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and was invoked in various conflicts and interventions throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. Over time, the Monroe Doctrine was used to justify American interventions in Latin America, leading to a mixed legacy regarding U.S.-Latin American relations.
5. The doctrine reflected growing nationalism and a sense of identity for the United States as it sought to assert its influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect the ideological beliefs of American nationalism during the early 19th century?
  • The Monroe Doctrine embodied American nationalism by asserting that the United States had a unique role and responsibility to protect democracy and sovereignty in the Western Hemisphere. This was rooted in a belief that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of independent nations, which aligned with growing sentiments of national pride and exceptionalism. The doctrine effectively positioned the U.S. as a defender of liberty against old-world imperialism, further solidifying a sense of national identity.
• Evaluate how the Monroe Doctrine shaped U.S. foreign policy decisions in Latin America throughout the 19th century.
  • The Monroe Doctrine significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy by establishing a precedent for intervention in Latin America under the guise of protecting independence from European influence. As various Latin American nations struggled for stability, U.S. leaders often cited the doctrine to justify military interventions or diplomatic pressures to ensure that these nations aligned with American interests. This led to numerous conflicts, including interventions in Cuba and Nicaragua, demonstrating how the doctrine was leveraged to expand U.S. influence while also creating tensions with neighboring countries.
• Analyze the long-term implications of the Monroe Doctrine on U.S.-Latin American relations into the 20th century.
  • The Monroe Doctrine's long-term implications on U.S.-Latin American relations were profound, often leading to a cycle of intervention that fostered resentment among Latin American nations. By framing itself as a protector while simultaneously intervening for its own strategic interests, the United States complicated its relationships with its southern neighbors. The emergence of policies like the Roosevelt Corollary further expanded this interventionist approach, which contributed to an enduring legacy of mistrust and conflict in U.S.-Latin American relations that persisted well into the 20th century, impacting both domestic politics and international diplomacy.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: A 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across the American continents was both justified and inevitable, influencing U.S. territorial policies.

Isolationism: A foreign policy stance advocating minimal involvement in international affairs and conflicts, particularly prominent in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, stating that the U.S. would intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and order.