Monroe Doctrine

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The Monroe Doctrine must be respected (F. Victor Gillam, 1896) restored

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Siège de Puebla - 29 mars 1863

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Monroe Doctrine is a pivotal principle in United States foreign policy that was articulated by President James Monroe on December 2, 1823. It stated that further efforts by European nations to colonize land or interfere with states in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention. At the same time, the doctrine noted that the United States would neither interfere with existing European colonies nor meddle in the internal concerns of European countries.

Background

The Monroe Doctrine was established in the early 19th century, a time when many Latin American countries were on the verge of gaining independence from Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule. The United States, having secured its own independence from Britain a few decades earlier, sought to prevent any European power from taking advantage of the newly independent nations in the Americas to expand their territories.

Key Principles

The Monroe Doctrine is based on two key principles:

1. No further European colonization in the New World.
2. Non-intervention by European states in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere.

These principles were designed to secure the newly independent nations of Latin America from European recolonization and to ensure that the political system of the Americas was distinctly separate from that of Europe.

Impact and Legacy

The Monroe Doctrine had a profound impact on the foreign policy of the United States and the Western Hemisphere. Initially, it had little enforcement power due to the relatively weak military capability of the U.S. at the time. However, it became a cornerstone of American policy in the Americas, and over time, with the rise of U.S. power, it was used to justify American intervention in the hemisphere.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the doctrine was invoked in various contexts, including the U.S. opposition to European intervention in Mexico and the Spanish-American War. In the 20th century, the doctrine was interpreted to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America, often in support of American economic interests and against the rise of communism.

Criticism and Controversy

The Monroe Doctrine has been criticized for being a tool of American imperialism, used to justify intervention in the internal affairs of Latin American countries. Critics argue that it has often been applied in a way that disregards the sovereignty and rights of Latin American nations, leading to resentment towards the United States.

Modern Relevance

In the 21st century, the Monroe Doctrine is seen by some as outdated, given the complex nature of international relations and the principles of multilateralism and cooperation that tend to guide global affairs. However, elements of the doctrine continue to influence U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in the context of opposing external interference in the region.

See Also

• Foreign policy of the United States
• Latin American independence movements
• Imperialism in Latin America