Antebellum Foreign Policy The Monroe Doctrine

Monroe Doctrine Origins Russian interest in extending Alaska. Began in 1741 when Vitus Bering crosses into Alaska. 1821, Czar Alexander I sets the southern border at the 51st parallel, almost to present-day San Francisco, and refuses to allow foreign ships into the area. Russian Colonies in North America http://www.colonialvoyage.com/Russian_America.jpg

Monroe Doctrine Origins Reclamation of Latin America. Spain is too weak to win it back by force. Congress of Verona, 1822. Russia, Austria, France, and Prussia vow to regain the land for Spain in the name of “legitimacy” and stability. Simon Bolivar http://www.aceros-de-hispania.com/image/simon-bolivar-sword/simon-bolivar-sabers.jpg

Monroe Doctrine Origins Great Britain. Great Britain profits by the rebellions. No longer has to deal with Spain. Negotiates profitable deals. Proposes a joint declaration with the United States. Oppose French intervention. Neither country would agree not to annex the land for themselves. Did not recognize the new republics. Increase Anglo-American relations.

Monroe Doctrine Rejection of British Offer JQ Adams persuades Monroe to reject Britain’s offer. America had already recognized the new nations. Did not want to help Great Britain gain favorable trade relations. To agree would abandon any hope of the United States to gain Cuba or other territories.

Monroe Doctrine Annual Message to Congress, 1823 Better known as the Monroe Doctrine. New nations are not to be considered future European colonial subjects. Europe’s political system was “essentially different” from the ones developing in the American continents. U.S. will not interfere with existing European colonies in the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/uploadimages/169_02_2.jpg

Monroe Doctrine Annual Message to Congress, 1823 Better known as the Monroe Doctrine. U.S. will not interfere in purely European affairs. Any attempt to extend European control would be a “manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States” and consequently a threat to the nation’s “peace and safety.” James Monroe http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/Images/monroe.jpg

Monroe Doctrine Immediate Impact Gained little immediate notice in Europe or Latin America. The United States did not have the resources to police the Western Hemisphere. European statesmen dismissed it as arrogant. Latin Americans knew better than to count on American aid in case of attack. Monroe Doctrine http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/graphics/monroedoctrine.jpg

Monroe Doctrine Immediate Impact Monroe perfectly expressed the future principles of a stronger America. Considered the culminating stage of American independence. Declaration of Independence. Revolutionary War. Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation of 1793. Jay’s Treaty and the removal of British forts in the West. End of the French Alliance. Louisiana Purchase ensures control of the Mississippi. The War of 1812. Adams-Onís Treaty (Transcontinental Treaty). The Monroe Doctrine.