Monroe Doctrine

(December 2, 1823)

Pres. James Monroe

the Western Hemisphere was closed to future colonization

Because it established the fact that European nations could not interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Part 1. This discussed the position of the U.S. toward Europe at the time when Europe was in disorganization. The first part of the Doctrine was the European Colonization in the Americas. It states that any new attempts by a European country to make a new colony would be considered an action against the United States. Part 2. The second part of the Monroe Doctrine was that the U.S. would not involve itself in any quarrels between European nations. This part was less aggressive and made a statement of neutrality that had began a long period of American isolationism in which the U.S. kept to itself essentially in global conflict as it developed as a nation. Part 3. The last part of the Monroe Doctrine was the call for Europe to no longer interfere in American business or affairs. At the time, the United States was still under the influence of European nations in international trade and global policy Part 4. The Monroe Doctrine did not become known as the Monroe Doctrine until almost thirty years after it was proclaimed, and since in 1823, the United States was not powerful enough to enforce the proclamation. Outside the U.S., the doctrine went mostly unnoticed.

The Monroe Doctrine was a foreign policy statement originally set forth in 1823 which created separate spheres of European and American influence. The United States promised to stay out of European business and told the Europeans to stay out of the Western Hemisphere's business.

The Monroe Doctrine, was an attempt by president James Monroe in 1823 to prevent other European powers (outside of those already present) from establishing colonies or any new presence in the Western Hemisphere. It essentially stated that the United States would consider such attempts as an act of aggression.

Monroe told Congress, and the world's empires, that "the American continents are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for further colonization by any European powers." This policy was invoked and adapted by subsequent presidents to advance American economic and political interests in the Western Hemisphere.