During U.S. President James Monroe's message to Congress on December 2, 1823, he stated that North Central and South America (the American continents) were no longer open for colonization by European powers and that the U.S. would view with displeasure any European intervention in the Americas. Later President James K. Polk used this doctrine to justify his ranting about Canada, Oregon, Yucatan, California and so on.

Conversely, President Teddy Roosevelt stated in 1904 that any disturbances in Latin America might result in U.S. intervention to preclude European action. This apparent duality was seen by some as an excuse for U.S. imperialism in the region.

Also contained in the doctrine was a promise that the U.S. would not interfere in wars or internal affairs between European powers. This was the source of much of the U.S. reluctance to join WWI.

Expression by President James Monroe setting forth the policy of the United States with regard to other countires meddling in the western hemisphere. Delivered in the form of a message to the governments of Russia, Great Britain, Spain, and Portugal. The following are the effective words that constitute the Monroe Doctrine.

" The government of the United Sates has been desirous, by this friendly proceeding, of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the emperor and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his government."

"In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangments by which they may terminate, the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects of future colonization by any European power."

"We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere.

Mon*roe" doc"trine.

See under Doctrine.

 

© Webster 1913.