THE MONROE DOCTRINE
‘Murica!
GOAL FOR THE DAY
 Understand the principles of the Monroe Doctrine:
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What is it?
Why was it drafted?
Why it was successful?
What is American Isolationism?
THE MONROE DOCTRINE
 Issued in 1823
 Any further efforts for European nations to colonize land or interfere with states
in North or South America would be viewed as acts of aggression.
 In return, the United States would not interfere in European affairs or colonial
territory claims.
 Written by
James Monroe…
SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
 The goal of the Monroe Doctrine was to disallow “Old World” European nations
from waging wars in “New World” Independent Democracies in the Americas.
 This way the United States could exert its influence in the Americas
 Set the tone of American Isolationism:
 The United States will not get involved in foreign affairs
DID IT WORK?
 From this point on, Europeans will stay out of the Americas
 But why?
 Was it America’s military might?!
SO WHAT THEN?
The British Navy!
THE BRITISH
 England hoped that by supporting the US; Spain, France, and Portugal would lose
their colonial enterprises in the western hemisphere.
 Thus loosing $$
 Because $ = POWER!
ONLINE QUESTION
 For Homework tonight:
 Log on to Google Classroom and answer the following question:
 Do you believe that the Monroe Doctrine or American Isolationism are tenants that
America still holds true today? Explain your answer with evidence.