2. Our Affairs, Not Yours: The Monroe Doctrine
By: Nita Tunga

3. Objective
List one similarity and difference between the Monroe Doctrine and the Declaration of Independence

4. Monroe Doctrine Background Info
A document made by the United States declaring that Europe should not interfere in American affairs
Named after President Monroe
Written by Secretary of State, John Adams
Created in reaction to the Napoleonic Wars

5. Monroe Doctrine
The United States government exerted military and diplomatic pressure through the Monroe Doctrine
Stated the U.S. was no longer open for colonization
Showed that the political system of Europe differed from the U.S.
Was a defense of America’s natural rights

6. Fears
Secretary of State John Adams feared that the British would attempt to get a pledge from the United States saying that they wouldn’t try and conquer land in Spanish America.

7. Comparison to Declaration of Independence
Differences
Written by John Adams
The United States was already independent of Britain
Ended colonization in U.S.
Written by the United States against foreign powers
Similarities:
Stated United States’ independence against Europe
Created for the well-being of the U.S.
Caused Europe to recognize America as an individual country

8. Pros and Cons Declaration of Independence Pros Cons
America gained independence from Britain
Could create own democracy
France as an ally
Cons
America had to fend for itself
Merchants had to find new markets
Had no example to follow

9. Pros and Cons Monroe Doctrine Pros Cons
Were free of European interference
No more colonization
Defense of natural rights
Cons
Could be used against America
Left America only country to defend itself