Monroe Doctrine Essay

The Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, written by John Quincy Adams, was put into action by the United States president at the time, James Monroe, in late 1823. It stated that further efforts of European nations trying to colonize or interfere with North, Central or South America would be viewed as an act of aggression against the US. This doctrine marked the start for a new foreign policy in America.
Before the doctrine was put into place, America was more focused on building themselves as a nation. Boundaries were being set and a government was being built. The constitution was signed in 1787 which set up a plan for a fair government. Then the first president, George Washington, began to run this government and build the nation. Under him the Jay’s and Pinckney’s treaties were signed, which both in some way opened up new land for Americans to use. Later, under the third president Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase was purchased for 3 cents an acre. This opened up lots of possibilities for Americans to explore and settle westward.
Along with the nation still developing, they did not want to be involved in other countries affairs. In 1793 Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality. At the time, Europe was engulfed in warfare due to the French Revolution. In reaction to this Washington created the proclamation stating that American ships would not supply war materials to either side. As well as persecution for those who disobeyed this proclamation. Another act of neutrality was the Embargo of 1807 put into place by Jefferson. This embargo prohibited American ships from trading in al foreign ports and was enacted during the Napoleonic Wars. America tried to stay more neutral and out of foreign affairs before the Monroe Doctrine was enacted.
The Monroe Doctrine changed the foreign policy in the US. It was written for Europe and warned them not to get involved with any of the Americas. If any European country was to try to attack or settle in any of the Americas, then the US would attack. “The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.” America had switched from a national mindset to a more international mindset. They were getting more involved in foreign affairs unlike they had been before. One thing that did not change though regarding the United States neutrality was their neutrality between new governments and Spain.
Despite the small amount of neutrality the US kept, their foreign policy had changed a lot. They went from having multiple neutrality acts to threatening to attack if any European power touched the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine began in a new era in US history of being more involved in foreign affairs.