Our Affairs, Not Yours: The Monroe Doctrine

By: Nita Tunga

Objective

• List one similarity and difference between the Monroe Doctrine and the Declaration of Independence

Monroe Doctrine Background Info • • • • A document made by the United States declaring that Europe should not interfere in American affairs Named after President Monroe Written by Secretary of State, John Adams Created in reaction to the Napoleonic Wars

Monroe Doctrine

• • • • The United States government exerted military and diplomatic pressure through the Monroe Doctrine Stated the U.S. was no longer open for colonization Showed that the political system of Europe differed from the U.S.

Was a defense of America’s natural rights

Fears

Secretary of State John Adams feared that the British would attempt to get a pledge from the United States saying that they wouldn’t try and conquer land in Spanish America.

Comparison to Declaration of Independence • • Differences – Written by John Adams – The United States was already independent of Britain – Ended colonization in U.S. – Written by the United States against foreign powers Similarities: – Stated United States’ independence against Europe – – Created for the well-being of the U.S.

Caused Europe to recognize America as an individual country

Pros and Cons

• Declaration of Independence – Pros • America gained independence from Britain • Could create own democracy • France as an ally – Cons • America had to fend for itself • Merchants had to find new markets • Had no example to follow

Pros and Cons

• Monroe Doctrine – Pros • Were free of European interference • No more colonization • Defense of natural rights – Cons • Could be used against America • Left America only country to defend itself