The Importance of 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.
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Announcement of the Doctrine
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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 non-colonization.
Non-Intervention
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The Monroe Doctrine essentially warned European nations not to "meddle in the affairs" of countries in the Western hemisphere, most notably the recently independent countries of Latin and South America. In turn, Monroe promised that the United States would not intervene in the affairs of European countries.
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Anti-Colonization
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Monroe stated that European colonies already established in the Western hemisphere would continue to be tolerated and respected but that any further colonization or re-colonization of Latin or South American nations would be seen as a threat and an act of aggression against the United States of America.
Self-Defense
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The Monroe Doctrine was also considered a self-defense doctrine aimed at protecting American interests. Monroe's motive was based on his concern for the security of the United States and his desire to prevent foreign nations from establishing strategic footholds in the Western hemisphere.
American Nationalism and Self-Awareness
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The announcement of the policy negated the belief that the United States deemed itself "isolated" and "insulated" from European powers and the potential dangers they posed. The speech also demonstrated the strong sense of nationalism, pride, and self-realization that enveloped the United States following the War of 1812.
Economic Interests
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The policy also looked to protect economic interests of the United States, given the belief that commercial markets with the newly sovereign states would be advantageous to the U.S. so long as these countries remained independent. The U.S. feared that the colonization or re-colonization of these nations would disturb American economic interests and favor the ruling colonial power.
Later Applications and Enhancements
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Subsequent presidents both enhanced and evoked the Monroe Doctrine in application of foreign policy interests. Teddy Roosevelt, in his Roosevelt Corollary, enhanced the doctrine by stating that "wrongdoings" committed within the nations of the Western hemisphere could require American intervention, even though European powers may not be actively involved. The Monroe Doctrine was cited by John F. Kennedy during the Cold War and by the Reagan administration to justify the Iran-Contra Affair and the invasion of Grenada in 1983. The Monroe Doctrine is also considered to be an important factor in the rise of far left leaders in Latin America who oppose American influence and interference in their countries.
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References
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