Eliseo Lugo III

 Describe how a series of revolts allowed most Latin American colonies to win their independence from Spain and Portugal.  Explain why the United States issued the Monroe Doctrine.  Identify key vocabulary terms associated with the Monroe Doctrine and Latin American independence.

Revolutions in Latin America  Latin American countries are beginning to feel the desire America once felt towards independence.  They were originally settled by European countries, but are now struggling to gain their own rights and freedoms.  They are interested in separating themselves from Spain and Portugal

 Former Portuguese and Spanish colonies are now republics, using the United States constitution as a model for their own.  Unfortunately, their governments were often not as successful.  With little experience of self-government, powerful leaders took advantage of their own people.

 The US wanted to gain Florida for a long time due to its location on the US mainland.  In 1818, the United States worked out a treaty with Spain and purchased the land for $5 million. The United States Gains Florida in 1818

The Monroe Doctrine The Monroe Doctrine was expressed during President Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress, December 2, Here is what he said:

“At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent. A similar proposal has been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to. The Government of the United States 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 arrangements 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 maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers...” What does this all mean??????????

The Monroe Doctrine, expressed in 1823, proclaimed the United States' opinion that European powers should no longer colonize the Americas or interfere with the affairs of sovereign nations located in the Americas, such as the United States of America, Mexico, and others.

In return, the United States planned to stay neutral in wars between European powers and in wars between a European power and its colonies. However, if these latter type of wars were to occur in the Americas, the U.S. would view such action as hostile toward itself.

The doctrine was issued by President James Monroe during his seventh annual State of the Union address to Congress. It was met first with doubt, then with enthusiasm. This was a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States.

 Many Latin-American nations gained their independence from Spain and Portugal following the War of  These former Portuguese and Spanish colonies would soon become independent republics.  The Monroe Doctrine was a warning to European nations.  The warning was that the United States would no longer allow any re- colonization of Latin American nations  Any attempt at re-colonization would be seen as an act of war towards the United States  The United States was declaring itself responsible for the entire Western hemisphere,  In addition, the United States pledged to stay out of European affairs in Europe.  Although the United States could not defend this position, it was seen as a show of strength by the nation.  The Doctrine was seen as a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States.  Next time: The Age of Andrew Jackson