Evolution of the Monroe Doctrine
FQ: How has the Monroe Doctrine been used to justify imperialism?
I.
What was the historical background of the Monroe Doctrine?
A.
Most Spanish and Portuguese colonies in the New World were in the process of or had already
achieved independence.
B.
Russian expansion southward from Alaska into Oregon and California constituted a threat to
ultimate American expansion to the pacific.
II.
Why was the Monroe Doctrine written?
A.
Because European colonies in the New World were gaining their independence. The US did not
want to see European nations take control of any independent state in North or South America.
B.
Viewed an interference as a manifestation of an unfriendly act towards the United States so the
Monroe Doctrine was considered an extension of our isolationist policy.
C.
The Monroe Doctrine attempted to isolate the Western Hemisphere from European affairs with the
understanding that the US would stay out of the affairs of European countries.
D.
The US would rather have weak independent republics to the south instead of the more powerful
monarchical Spain.
E.
American merchants and shippers had built up profitable trade with the independent Latin
American countries, which had been barred by the Spanish.
F.
Reaction to the European alliance of Austria, Prussia, France, and Russia was planning on reconquering Latin America for Spain.
III.
What are the main ideas of the Monroe Doctrine?
A.
The New World is closed to further European colonialization.
B.
The US would recognize as legitimate countries those European colonies that had achieved
independence.
C.
The US would not become involved in the struggle for colonial independence or the affairs of
European countries.
D.
A threat to any country in the Western Hemisphere would be considered an attack against the
United States.
IV.
What is the significance of the Monroe Doctrine?
A.
The Monroe Doctrine expressed the prevailing spirit of American nationalism and Manifest
Destiny.
B.
The Monroe Doctrine evidenced America’s importance in world affairs.
C.
The Monroe Doctrine attempted to isolate the entire Western Hemisphere from European affairs.
D.
Latin American countries accepted the Monroe Doctrine as a friendly offer of assistance.
E.
However, the US has no power to enforce the Monroe Doctrine until 1862.
When did the US enforce the Monroe Doctrine for the first time? Why is this significant? (537)
How did Olney change the interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine? (536)
What was the Dominica Debt Default, and how did this event influence the Roosevelt Corollary? (536-537)