LAD #10: Monroe Doctorine

1) What did the issuing of the Monroe Doctrine express from an American perspective post War of 1812?

The Monroe Doctrine tried to express that the US was an independent nation now, free from tyrannical British rule, and that it wanted the same rights as other European nations. Before and after the MD, world powers did not see the US as an independent nation for reasons such as the fact that Britain still controlled a lot of America's economy. Great Britain also treated America like it was still a colony through actions such as the impressment of US sailors. This was one of the reasons the US went to war in the War of 1812. Although the Monroe Doctrine wanted to establish the US as the world superpower that it was, it also preached neutrality and disapproved of getting involved in the issues of other nations. It supported neutrality and created American pride.

2) What was Secretary of State Adams' hope when he wrote the Monroe Doctrine?

Adams wanted to see everything he wrote about in the Monroe Doctrine come true and wanted the United States to become a powerful nation that had its own colonies in other parts of the world. This did end up happening, although it was a long time later. He also wanted the US to be seen as an independent nation, and after the War of 1812, the US was seen as an independent nation (finally). Just like Washington, the Monroe Doctrine preached neutrality, which did not end up happening and still has not happened today.

3) What is the key phrase in the entire document that you need to remember as the cornerstone of American Foreign Policy?

The US foreign policy in regards to European nations remains unaffected; refrain from interfering in their internal affairs and to maintain friendly relations with them.

The Monroe Doctrine can be related to Washington's farewell address because in his address, Washington preached neutrality and warned of the consequences should the country get involved in other countries' problems. The Monroe Doctrine preached these same things. Neither were successful in keeping America a neutral country.