What was the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine was a significant policy statement made in 1823 by President James Monroe, which articulated a clear opposition to European colonialism in the Americas. It stated that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to colonization by European powers and that any attempts by European nations to interfere in the politics or affairs of nations in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention. This doctrine asserted the United States' role as a protector of the newly independent nations in Latin America and set a precedent for American foreign policy in the region.

The doctrine was not concerned with promoting free trade with Europe, establishing military alliances, or directly expanding U.S. territories. Instead, it focused on maintaining independence and sovereignty for countries within the Americas against European interference, shaping U.S.-Latin American relations for years to come. This cornerstone of American diplomatic history emphasized the U.S. stance against old-world imperialism, promoting the idea that the Americas were to remain free from European dominion.