Monroe Doctrine Presentation

“Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion

of the foreign world.”

George Washington’s Farewell AddressSeptember 17, 1786

“There can be no greater error than to expect or

calculate upon real favors from nation to nation.”

George Washington’s Farewell AddressSeptember 17, 1786

If these were the sentiments of one of our founding fathers, how

has our country become so involved in foreign affairs?

The Monroe DoctrineDecember 2, 1823

Context of the Doctrine

• By 1825, all Latin American countries, except for Cuba and Puerto Rico, had gained independence from Spain.

• In 1822, Brazil had gained independence from Portugal

And yet, it appeared the Europe might still colonization in Latin

America!

With the Napoleonic Wars over, the US was concerned that the victorious European countries

would work to restore monarchical governments in

Europe.

At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, The Holy Alliance was

formed by Russia, Austria, and Prussia.

The Holy Alliance’s main goal was to defend monarchies in Europe.

They also authorized the use of their militaries to reinstate the Spanish monarchy in Spain and

its colonies.

Although Britain had been part of the Quadruple Alliance, with Austria, Prussia, and Russia , to

defeat Napoleon, Britain did not join the Holy Alliance.

Britain and the US

Were enjoying profitable trade with the independent Latin American countries

And then…Russia claimed Alaska and said their territory extended into Oregon…

• But, Oregon was also claimed by: –Britain– The US

Britain and the US

The British foreign minister suggested a joint statement saying that both countries opposed intervention in Latin America and that neither would try to acquire it for themselves

Should the US join in Britain’s statement?Some backed signing the agreement

Others, such as Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, argued that it would look as if the US were following “in the wake of the British man-of-war”.

Well, what is a “British Man of War?”

So what did Adams mean?

Why would Britain be considered a force to be reckoned with?

Why would the US not be considered a threat?

President Monroe chose to act alone.

In an address to Congress, he introduced the doctrine in two widely separated passages.

So what happened next?

So what happened next?The Holy Alliance never intervened in Latin America!

So what happened next?The Holy Alliance never intervened in Latin America!

Russia agreed to withdraw from Oregon

So the Monroe Doctrine was an immediate success!

Hmmmm

If one event happens after another event, does that mean

the first event caused the second event?

• The Holy Alliance never invaded Latin America, but not out of fear of the US.

• If they actually ever considered it,

it was because of fear of the British Navy!

Russia withdrew from Oregon…but not out of fear of the US but because they were overextended.

Russia withdrew from Oregon…but not out of fear of the US but because they were overextended.

They could not effectively govern anything in North America all the way from St.Petersburg!

What did the US need to make the Monroe Doctrine effective?