Monroe Doctrine

Background: Why? The Monroe Doctrine was a response to 2 main reasons: Their Latin American colonies had won their hard-earned independence but Spain wanted to regain those colonies. The Holy Alliance (Russia, Austria, and Prussia) along with France was posed to help Spain reconquer the colonies in South America. The monarchial elements of Europe did not like any form of revolt. America and Russia had a minor clash concerning the northwest coast of North America. (Alaska)

Background: Who? Great Britain: supported the continued independence of the newly formed Latin America governments. They benefited from the open commerce that resulted from trading with the new Latin American Countries. United States: wanted to protect the democratic governments of their newly formed neighbors and also keep Europeans off of the Western Hemisphere.

Britain (in agreement with the US) sent foreign minister George Canning who proposed that American and Britain should issue a joint warning to Europe. Monroe made a statement Statement of U.S. policy opposing European interference in the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Western Hemisphere. (NO MORE EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT IN THE US)

Four Main Points Countries of the Western Hemisphere were no longer to be regarded “as subjects for future colonization by any European powers” Political system of America was different from those of Europe United States would regard any attempt by European countries “to extend their system” to the Western Hemisphere as a threat to its “peace and safety” United States had no intention of interfering in affairs of European powers nor disturbing existing colonies in the Western Hemisphere.

Effects Overall, the Impact of the Monroe Doctrine was mixed. Success and Failure were both evident…

Success European powers did not immediately attempt to revive the Spanish empire France, Spain and other powers was kept out of the Western Hemisphere

Failure Britain would long remain the dominant trade power in Latin America “Justified” American imperialism in the Western Hemisphere. Latin American nations resented the Big Brother behavior of the U.S.

Question: What four principles did the Monroe Doctrine set?