Monroe Doctrine

QUESTION: Discuss the creation of the Monroe Doctrine and how its birth shaped U.S. foreign policy from the 1820's through the American Civil War. Be sure to include the key players and their various motives in creating or using this important document.

The Monroe Doctrine

History during the early 1800's found the American people very interested in the situation involving the Latin American countries found in central, South America, and Mexico. Though these Latin countries tried to establish their own government and proclaimed their independence, certain European countries continued to fight and reinstate their force and power over them. A major factor to consider was that France and Spain were considering joining forces to create a large and powerful military force, also in hopes of moving in to reclaim the areas of Latin states in which French or Spanish power had slipped.

Americans were showing equal concern to the defense of their own country, their coastlines and the states and territory of the North American continent. This defense, not only in the meaning of protecting their colonized states from invasive forces, but defense also to protect the available land on the continent from the future possibilities of settlement and control by European countries or the Holy Alliance (Russia, Prussia and Austria.)

During President James Monroe's term, the president realized the States should start to exert power in the world. The States must develop a policy to protect his country's interests. President Monroe chose to consult with many of those he found wise and those whose opinions he valued (former President Thomas Jefferson, John Calhoun and James Madison, and Secretary John Quincy Adams.

Great Britain tried to collaborate with the United States, hoping to send out a joint message to other European countries and the Holy Alliance. All but the Secretary of State agreed it would be in the best interest of the States to ally with Great Britain. The thought was to create a document or declaration stating the land on the northern continent of America could no longer be claimed by any European country, or the Holy Alliance. It was also clearly expressed Europe or the Holy Alliance should not interfere with into American affairs and could expect the United States would not become involved in the business of other countries. There would be no tolerance of those who chose to ignore or interfere with all that was set forth in this document. Colonization of the land and territories by Americans was acceptable; growth was expected, especially to the north and west. The population of the states, at that time, was expanding and settled land was becoming crowded.

Great Britain, though perhaps not too happy to relinquish any powers or rights to colonize any territory in the American territory, offered support to the implementation of a diplomatic document issued regarding this issue.

JAMES MONROE

President James Monroe governed the States with an intelligent and fair leadership. There are two things for which he is named and perhaps best known, Fort Monroe and the Monroe Doctrine. Both Fort Monroe and the Monroe Doctrine were both created in the hopes of deterring future attacks on the States, seen in the burning of Washington and during the colonization of the territories of the country. Fort Monroe developed as a coastal defensive port, a stronghold against foreign military advances. The Monroe Doctrine developed as a defensive mechanism against European countries and the Holy Alliance, countries dominating in world power and continuing to pursue land in the western hemisphere.

James Monroe grew up as a planter and later became a military officer. His military career was considered unsuccessful by most, his job was to enlist soldiers into the war and his success rate was low. He later served as senator and governor of Virginia and was assigned to duty overseas by President Thomas Jefferson. He increased his political knowledge by gaining valuable knowledge in his legal profession and while performing as a liaison

to foreign countries. However, along with this knowledge he brought the character traits of honest and integrity, along with respect for the government and for his country. Combined, President Monroe possessed many attributes which helped to pave the way for his future career as the nation's president.

Monroe served for two presidential terms. He led the country with these traits, placing the rights of the people above his own. "One of his lasting achievements was the Monroe Doctrine, which became a major tenet of U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere." (para 1, Biography: A Life in Brief) During his second term he, along with his Secretary of State. John Quincy Adams, worked together to create the Monroe Doctrine. During President Monroe's last message to Congress, in 1823, the Monroe Doctrine was presented.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

John Quincy Adams played a very important part in the production of the Monroe Doctrine. Very early in his career Mr. Adams, a Harvard graduate, was selected and assigned overseas to diplomatic posts overseas. Many years were spent abroad; Mr. Adams achieved success serving in political assignments. "One of the most important lessons he learned while serving abroad was that the United States should not become caught become rivalries that exist between European companies." (para 2, John Quincy Adams) Remaining in politics, John Quincy Adams decided to run for the Senate. He was elected with the support of the Federalist Party. He later lost their support when he vocalized support for President Thomas Jefferson and his embargo. True to Mr. Adam's lessons learned while serving overseas, the embargo was for neutrality while England and France were at war.

Mr. Adams was chosen to become the Secretary of State for President James Monroe. John Quincy Adams believed the States should remain neutral and should protect the natural resources; these ideas were very similar to those shared by President Monroe. The Secretary of State's knowledge and philosophies were very instrumental in many political negotiations and in the development of documents and treaties. His career as Secretary of State was considered very successful. One of his great accomplishments (other than the Monroe Doctrine) was the peace treaty of Ghent.

While serving as Secretary of State during the early 1800's, Mr. Adams helped to negotiate the acquisition of land which had previously owned by other countries, to include the purchase of Florida. It was during this term that President Monroe and