Monroe Doctrine

Basic (IMPORTANT) Info

The Monroe Doctrine was a document created on December 2, 1823 by President James Monroe, and it was a U.S. foreign policy statement asserting that the Americas were no longer open to European colonization or interference. This basically means that it was a warning for the Europeans to stay out of America (both north and south).

Reasons

Monroe had a reason for making this document. He wanted to ensure that we wouldn't have a repeat of the tyrannical reign from King George III. He believed he was protecting American interests. In the paper, he claimed that any actions would be taken as a threat to the U.S. security and interests.

Four Basic Points

• ​The United States would not interfere​ in the affairs of European nations. ​

• The United States would recognize, and ​ not interfere with, European colonies ​ that already existed in North and ​ South America. ​

Four Basic Points

• The Western Hemisphere was to be ​​off-limits to future colonization by ​any foreign power.

• The United States would consider any ​​ European power’s attempt to colonize or interfere with nations in the Western Hemisphere to be a hostile act.

Effects

Very few European countries challenged the document, but some strongly criticized it. The only major impact was that it stated that America would essentially take Latin America under its care, including its economical, political, military system. This stays true to this day, as America isn't controlling Latin American, but helps out with its security system.