Mind Your Own Business: The Monroe Doctrine - USHistory8-7

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