Impact Of The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was an influential message that impacted American policy for many years. It was written by the Secretary of State, at the time, John Quincy Adams; it was then delivered by President James Monroe in 1823 (Foner, Voices of Freedom, p.188). This message, while written by Adams was the sentiments of the Monroe presidency (Foner, Voices of Freedom, p.188). This message was given during an annual speech, which explored the sentiments of diplomacy throughout the western hemisphere. This speech was given in America which laid out early American foreign policy, which would have a lasting impact (Foner, Voices of Freedom, p.188). The speech was given in America to United States citizens, however, Monroe was also addressing European

This was out of concern for their own values and interests. America was a new democracy, and did not have a strong military, compared to those of Europe and the Monroe Administration wanted to make sure the nation was protected (Monroe Doctrine, p.189). He said in the message, “It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense” (Monroe Doctrine, p.189). This statement shows the level of discomfort and fear the United States had more European powers encroaching on their space and attempting to take away their freedom and liberties. For it was not too long prior to this that the United States had fought in two separate wars to gain and then maintain their independence. However, while Monroe made it clear the United States would not accept foreign influence and imperialism within the western hemisphere, he also conveyed that America, was not interested in getting involved in European conflicts either. In the document, he said, “In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so” (Monroe Doctrine, p. 189). This was Monroe making it clear he wants at least two completely separate spheres of influence in the world, with the western hemisphere under the United States influence, and other parts of

As he says, “But with the governments who have declared their independence and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledge, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States” (Monroe Doctrine, 190). This quote gives the United States a hard stance on European involvement, and vows to get involved if these powers try to assert themselves in America’s sphere of influence. This also has tone of the American policy of manifest destiny, where American began to further expand its influence with the principles of freedom in mind (Foner, Give Me Liberty, p.339). This also plays into the idea of American exceptionalism, where American values and ideals are best and they need to be spread to others in the world, which is shown in their willingness to get involved in other nations within the western hemisphere to help protect their independence and freedom. This was done to protect themselves as, “it is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of [North or South America] without endangering our