LAD#10: Monroe Doctrine

Summarize.

Expressed to Congress on Decemeber 2nd, 1823, during President James Monroe's seventh annual message, the Monroe doctrine opens with reference to a discussion with the Russian Imperial Government and the Government of Great Britain about possible colonization of the northwestern coast of North America. He then states that although he values the friendship of both governments, it is in the best interests of the United States that American continents are to no longer be considered for colonization by any European powers. 

Monroe then goes on to speak of the interest Americans have held in the events of Europe, and how much they hope for the "liberty and happiness" of the men who live there. However, the United States does not take part in European wars when it does not concern them, only doing so when they are threatened directly, unlike in Europe where a complex web of alliances brings countries in to wars that don't necessarily concern them. On this note, any further attempt at colonization of the western hemisphere is considered a threat to the United States' peace and safety.

With the recent events in Spain and Portugal, Monroe finds evidence that Europe is still unsettled. The policy of the United States in accordance with foreign affairs, is and will continue to be friendly neutrality, and not interference with any of it's internal government.

He finds that any attempt of the allied powers to extend their government to either of the American continents without the possible endangerment of the United States, and that those in South America would not adopt a European government of their own accord. Therefore, any such attempts would be considered an unfriendly act towards the United States that would not be met with indifference.