Monroe Doctrine Essay ⋆ Political Science Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

President James Monroe’s annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823, asserted a policy of opposition to colonization by foreign powers in the Western Hemisphere. This policy, known as the Monroe Doctrine, became the guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy in the Americas for generations. Specifically, Monroe stated,

The American continents, by the free and independent conditions which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. . . . The political system of the [European] allied powers is essentially different . . . from that of America. . . . We should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety.

The Monroe Doctrine represents common ideas and beliefs long held by the United States prior to 1823 but still unrepresented in a formal policy. Actions taken by the Russians in exploring the west coast of North America and the British attempts to colonize Cuba posed a threat to the United States, which prompted Monroe to articulate U.S. opposition to new efforts to colonize the Americas. It is interesting that the Monroe Doctrine mirrored a British policy, enforced by the Royal Navy, that prevented European powers from colonizing in America.

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