LAD #8 - Monroe Doctrine

The end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 caused a breakup up of the Spanish Empire, primarily in South America. Many new countries gained independence, such as Argentina, Peru, and Chile. These countries sought and received recognition from the United States. President James Monroe and his Secretary of State, John Q. Adams wanted to remain neutral in conflicts between Spain and her lost colonies. The Monroe Doctrine was thus born in the form of President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823. The United State negotiated with the Russian Imperial Government to arrange an agreement to recognize the rights and interest of the two nations on the Northwest coast of North America. The U.S. also made similar agreements with Great Britain, and Monroe also expresses his relief that this occurred on friendly relations. The Doctrine continues to state that during these negations certain issues regarding the American continents had arisen. These issues concerned newly freed and independent nations in South America. President Monroe and Adams felt that these nations should not be considered for future colonization by the European powers. This was directly more specifically at Spain, Britain, and France. At the last negotiations, Spain and Portugal said that hey were trying to improve the conditions of their colonists in moderation. Yet Monroe felt that the results fell short of what was promised by these two nations. The President stated that the U.S. had been “anxious and interested spectators” where Latin America was concerned. America has always been neutral during wars between the European powers and want to remain neutral. Only when American rights have been infringed upon will the United States make preparation for defensive measures. The Southern American nations, which have emerged, have done so by a great loss of blood and treasure. Monroe wants to make to clear that American is and will remain neutral if war should escalate between Spain and the new governments. He also acknowledges the independence of these governments and promises not to intervene for the purpose of oppressing them or controlling them. To further make a point of neutrality, Monroe repeats again, that even though he knows that American neutrality has “long agitated that quarter of the globe”, America will “nevertheless remain the same”. The Monroe Doctrine claims that it would be impassible for the allied powers to try and interfere in the Western Hemisphere without endangering American peace and happiness. If such countries did in fact intervened, it would be impossible for America to remain indifferent to their actions. It was deemed impossible that Spain would never subdue these new government because eof the distance between them. The closing statement of the Monroe Doctrine urges the Europeans to leave these nations to themselves following the lead of the United States.