Monroe Doctrine

Definition

The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. policy established in 1823, which stated that further European colonization and interference in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression requiring U.S. intervention. This doctrine asserted American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and aimed to prevent European powers from expanding their influence in this region, emphasizing the role of the United States as a protector of independent nations in the Americas.

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. The doctrine was primarily a response to concerns about European powers, particularly Spain and France, attempting to reclaim their former colonies in Latin America.
3. While initially lacking military enforcement, the Monroe Doctrine laid the groundwork for U.S. foreign policy in the Americas for decades.
4. Over time, the Monroe Doctrine was invoked to justify various U.S. interventions in Latin America, often underlining America's role as a regional police force.
5. The doctrine significantly influenced the relationship between the United States and Latin American nations, shaping perceptions of U.S. intentions and involvement in regional affairs.

Review Questions

• How did the Monroe Doctrine reflect the United States' perception of its role in the Western Hemisphere during the early 19th century?
  • The Monroe Doctrine reflected a growing sense of American identity and purpose as it established the U.S. as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere. By proclaiming that European interference would be met with resistance, it asserted the notion that the U.S. had a responsibility to protect newly independent nations from colonial aggression. This set a precedent for future foreign policy, indicating that America would actively defend its interests and those of its neighbors against external threats.
• Evaluate how the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine influenced U.S.-Latin American relations in the following decades.
  • The implementation of the Monroe Doctrine had a profound impact on U.S.-Latin American relations by establishing an expectation that the United States would intervene in regional affairs to counter any European influence. This interventionist stance sometimes fostered resentment among Latin American nations, who viewed U.S. actions as imperialistic rather than protective. Over time, this led to mixed relationships where cooperation occurred alongside conflicts arising from U.S. interventions based on the doctrine's principles.
• Assess the legacy of the Monroe Doctrine in shaping U.S. foreign policy throughout history and its implications for modern international relations.
  • The legacy of the Monroe Doctrine has been significant in shaping U.S. foreign policy, laying a foundation for an interventionist approach toward Latin America that persisted into the 20th century. Its principles have been invoked to justify various military interventions and diplomatic strategies aimed at maintaining stability within the hemisphere. In modern international relations, it serves as a reminder of America's historical view of itself as a regional power responsible for overseeing political dynamics in its vicinity, influencing contemporary debates about interventionism and sovereignty in global politics.

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 characterized by a reluctance to engage in international alliances or conflicts, focusing on domestic issues instead.

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting that the U.S. could intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order.