How Did American Leaders Apply the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine dates from 1823 warning European powers not to pursue colonial ventures in the Western Hemisphere; it quickly became a centerpiece of American foreign policy, effectively establishing a U.S. 'sphere of influence' in Latin America that was interpreted by later administrations as a license for the U.S. to intervene in the affairs of Latin American nations.

Origins of the Doctrine

Inserted into a message to Congress in December 1823, President James Monroe stated that America would not interfere in European affairs and would recognize existing European colonies in the Americas.

Enforcing the Doctrine

In 1823 the United States was not strong enough to keep European powers out of the Americas. Because the policy was backed by Great Britain, however, the Royal Navy effectively enforced this American policy.

Westward Expansion

From the 1840s on, the Monroe Doctrine became linked with westward expansion by the United States.

Roosevelt Corollary

In 1904 President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the Doctrine by asserting a U.S. right to intervene in cases of "flagrant and chronic wrongdoing by a Latin American nation." Since then, the Doctrine has been cited to justify American military action in Cuba, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Fun Fact

Nearly 30 years after it was issued, Monroe's policy was finally referred to as a "Doctrine" in the 1840s .

References

• Images of James Monroe
• Library of Congress Monroe Doctrine resources page
• U.S. State Department website: Monroe Doctrine