Monroe Doctrine US History

Prior to Presidency of Monroe Embargo Act, you say? The United States’ attempt to change the policies of the European powers by economic means. In 1807, after the British ship Leopard fired on the American frigate CHESAPEAKE, Jefferson urged and Congress passed an EMBARGO ACT. It banned all American ships from foreign trade. Result: The embargo failed to change British and French policies but devastated New England shipping. Later and weaker economic measures were also unsuccessful. Foreign policy of the US was neutral. Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793) Washington’s Farewell Jefferson’s Embargo Act (1807) 1812 War was exception War hawks sought expansion in Canada.

Under Monroe James Monroe’s Presidency (1817-1825). He establishes a major foreign policy precedent that guides foreign policy throughout the 19th century: The Monroe Doctrine. How did it happen?

Monroe Doctrine Origin 1823 Imperial Russia intruded on US’s Pacific territorial claims in Oregon region. At the same time…. Alliance of European powers (Austria, France, Prussia, Russia) sought to reclaim Latin American colonies that declared independence during the Napoleonic Wars.

In response… Monroe’s Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, urged Monroe to warn Europe not to continue to colonize the Western Hemisphere. In exchange, the US would not interfere with existing colonies AND the US would remain neutral in Euro affairs.

Monroe Doctrine promulgated Monroe outlined this foreign policy in his 1823 December message to Congress.

Did it work? Britain backed Monroe. They wanted to keep its trade with the new American republics flourishing. It successfully discouraged the European alliance. George Canning, GB For Min

Could it have been enforced? It is unlikely that the US in the early 19th century could enforce it. Very small navy! Without Britain’s help, it would not have worked.