LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine

LAD/Blog #11: Monroe Doctrine

President Monroe begins by addressing relations and negotiations with Russia and Great Britain regarding the colonizing of the Americas. He declares that, “the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers…”  He then speaks to American neutrality, saying he would not involve America in the European conflicts (or in already established colonies)- only when the US’ rights are infringed upon will it fight. He points out that European governments are very different from those to the west, and that any attempts to establish them would be seen as a threat. He also says America would not take sides with any European countries if there was a war. He announces that America will treat all other governments equally, not showing submission to any but also staying neutral. He ends by saying if European countries attempted colonization to other areas on the American continent, the US would help protect and fight for them, even though they wished to remain neutral.






The Monroe Doctrine




Synthesis: George Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
The Monroe Doctrine was very similar to Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality. Both documents kept America out of European conflicts, and ensured the US didn't take sides in such conflicts. The main difference is that the Monroe Doctrine highlighted colonization, and said America would take a stand if Europeans colonized the Americas to a further extent.