Summary:
A summary of the American document the Monroe Doctrine, going through its content and its effects on the United States.
In the early 1800's the United States was going through many different situations both good and bad. Russia and Britain both negotiated on boundaries and territories with the United States, but at the same time the Spanish and Portuguese were in continuing conflict. The rise of Nationalism caused a sort superiority or "better than you" feeling in everyone, the time period of good feelings in America isolated some. As James Monroe was elected and put into office as president, the United States began to worry that Spain would try to regain Mexico. Monroe's solution to this was to write the Monroe Doctrine. In the Monroe Doctrine he stated that "this hemisphere" in which he is referring to the Western Hemisphere, is the United State's property and is not to be interfered with. The following will further explain the Monroe Doctrine of 1823.
The first section of the Monroe Doctrine states mainly about agreements made with Russia and Britain. According to this first section by James Monroe the United States and Russia negotiated boundaries on the North West Coast. Britain also agreed to stay away from the West Coast. The point in this section is that the United States says that Europe can no longer colonize America. Following this is the second section. The second section of the Monroe doctrine starts with a statement about how the Spanish and Portuguese mistreat their people both in their country and in other settlements. It also says that Spain and Portugal are, even though they might not want to, representing Europe. According to the Monroe Doctrine the United States will only interfere with the Spanish and Portuguese's
affairs "only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced." Another explanation given in this section is how other governments are so different from America politically, therefore the United States cannot let them colonize in the Western Hemisphere and let them spread their political beliefs, although they will not interfere with what is already there.
The Monroe Doctrine clearly states in its third part that it will not interfere with existing European colonies. "With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere." The document also acknowledges that the United States will not try to control independent or declared-independent colonies
or governments. It also states that America is neutral in this war between Spain and Portugal and will stay neutral unless the government has reason to think otherwise because of something that effects the United State's security. The final section of the Monroe Doctrine explains the non-interference with the internal concerns of Europe and the United States Policy with internal concerns.
"Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which has so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations by frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none."
Europe cannot spread their political beliefs without risking the peace and happiness the untied states has at this moment, also if governing themselves the south could
possible believe this political side. The Monroe Doctrine also says that Spain is to far away from the colonies, so it is almost impossible for them to convince the colonies with their beliefs. The Monroe Doctrine's last words are that the United States will leave Spain and Portugal to themselves and hope that they will leave the United States alone as well. "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the hope that other powers will assume the same course..."
The Monroe Doctrine had two types of impacts, immediate and long term, after it was announced on December 2nd 1823. The immediate impact the Monroe Doctrine had was that it stopped European interference with America and Europe did not try to colonize any longer. Zachary Taylor the united state's 12th president used the Monroe Doctrine against Mexico and other foreign countries. During the Civil War the Monroe doctrine was once against used by the North to ward away any European powers that wanted to side with the South. Theodore Roosevelt's corollary addition to the Monroe Doctrine in the early 1900's prevented the establishment of foreign bases from the Caribbean and gave reason for the United States to fight with Spain for Cuba and the Philippines. In the presidency of John F. Kennedy the Monroe doctrine was used to force Russia to remove missiles form Cuba. As explained the Monroe Doctrine was a very important document in American history and made for one sole purpose has been used for many.
This is the complete article, containing 802 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page).
