What is Monroe Doctrine?
Historical Background
Key Points
7 points- 1.
Non-Colonization: European powers were prohibited from establishing new colonies in the Americas.
- 2.
Non-Intervention: European powers were warned against intervening in the affairs of independent nations in the Western Hemisphere.
- 3.
US Non-Interference: The US, in return, pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of European nations or their existing colonies.
- 4.
Assertion of US Hegemony: Over time, it evolved to justify US interventions in Latin America, particularly through the Roosevelt Corollary (1904), which asserted the US's right to intervene to stabilize economies and prevent European intervention.
- 5.
Foundation of US Foreign Policy: Became a cornerstone of US foreign policy for over a century, shaping its relations with Latin America and the world.
- 6.
Often summarized by the phrase "America for Americans", though its interpretation and application varied significantly.
- 7.
While initially framed as protecting Latin American sovereignty from Europe, its later interpretations often led to US infringements on that sovereignty.
Visual Insights
Evolution of the Monroe Doctrine
Timeline showing the key events and interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine from its inception to the present day.
The Monroe Doctrine has evolved from a statement of non-intervention to a justification for US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Its interpretation has been a subject of debate throughout history.
- 1823Monroe Doctrine proclaimed: US opposes European intervention in the Americas.
- 1845Manifest Destiny: Used to justify US expansion in North America.
- 1898Spanish-American War: US asserts dominance in the Caribbean and Pacific.
- 1904Roosevelt Corollary: US claims the right to intervene in Latin American affairs.
- 1933Good Neighbor Policy: US seeks to improve relations with Latin America.
- 1962Cuban Missile Crisis: US confronts Soviet Union over missiles in Cuba.
- 2003US intervention in Iraq: Some critics see parallels with interventionist interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine.
- 2019Trump administration's policies towards Venezuela: Accusations of reviving the Monroe Doctrine.
- 2026Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine': US actions in Venezuela, muted global response.
Recent Developments
3 developmentsWhile not explicitly invoked in its original form, the underlying principle of US regional influence persists.
Debates continue regarding its legacy and relevance in contemporary US-Latin American relations.
Some contemporary US administrations have occasionally referenced its principles in discussions about external influence in the Western Hemisphere (e.g., China's growing presence).