The importance of the Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine represents a major
landmark within American history and within America's
rise to international prominence. The passive but
potentially aggressive policy depicted in this doctrine is
a fundamental element of America's foreign policy and
is a policy that has been enhanced by generations of
American leaders.

International situation
(Origins of Monroe Doctrine)

Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) and their multilateral

impact in the World (political, economic, military, etc).
Spanish war of independence against French invaders
(1808-1814).
End of the Napoleonic wars (1803-1815) - collapse of
absolute hegemony of France in Europe. Beginning of
domination of Austria, Russia, Prussia and England
The Congress of Vienna (September 1814 to June 1815)
and setting the new policy in Europe. The New European
order in terms of legitimacy and restoration of the
monarchy (absolute power of monarchs).
Formation of Holy Alliance as a mutual assistance pact
among monarchs directed against the revolution, national
and European free movement.

The short and long term consequences

Temporary loosening of France and her former allies (former

French confederation).
Napoleonic war significantly weakened the authority and military
power of the Spanish Empire, especially after the Battle of
Trafalgar (21 October 1805), which seriously hampered the
contact of Spain with its American possessions.
Liberal movements in Lombardia, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
and Spain during 1820-1823.
The Holy Alliance organized a military intervention in Spain
through France in 1823. Restoration of the monarchy.
As a result occurred the irreversible loosening of Spain that can
not control the colonies in Latin America.
Liberation movements in South America (1821-1824). Simon
Bolivan El Libertador.
The Holy Alliance tried to extend the across the ocean
intervention and stop the emancipation of the Spanish colonies.
U.S. reaction and formulation of Monroe Doctrine as a
fundamental concept of foreign affairs.

Monroe Doctrine
In a speech before Congress during
December of 1823, President James
Monroe outlined his foreign policy that
came to be known as the Monroe
Doctrine.
Monroe's Secretary of State, John
Quincy Adams, is to be credited for the
concept of the policy and as the writer of
the speech. The themes of the doctrine
focused on non-intervention and noncolonization.

Causes:
The most important causes of the
declaration of Monroe Doctrine:
1.
Prevent any attempt of settling or recovery
of the colonies in Western Hemisphere.
2. To make clearly establish so called doctrine
of both spheres an the warning to Europe
of which it is kept inside his sphere.

Monroe Doctrine in three points:

Do not create new colonies in America, all

the American countries are free and
independent and they can not be subject
to European domination.
The intervention of Europe can not exist in
the internal affair of the American
countries.
US would not intervene in conflicts relating
to European countries, such as the wars
and colonies.

Effects of the Monroe Doctrine:

United States began to emerge as a

world power and was taken more
seriously by European nations
Set a principle for foreign policy in
the United States
Newly independent Latin American
nations were able to focus on
building up their countries without
having to worry about wars with
European powers

Monroe Doctrine nowadays

George H.W. Bush's invasion of Panama in 1991 represents the

last unilateral action taken by the United States against a Latin
government. Since the first Clinton Administration, American
involvement in Central and South American affairs has been
almost entirely economic.
The North American Free Trade Agreement, the Central
American Free Trade Agreement and the bailout of the Mexican
economy are representative of America's stewardship of the
Western Hemisphere under the wide umbrella of the Monroe
Doctrine.
The success of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez contradicts the
latest trends. He lashes out against the United States, yet
simultaneously sells oil to America.
In recent years, the United States government has trended
toward a hands-off, isolationist impulse in the affairs of the
Western Hemisphere. The question of immigration was
particularly pressing during the administration of George W.
Bush. Yet as of 2010, the planned wall along the entire Mexican
border has failed to materialize.