The Monroe Doctrine

In 1823, President James Monroe made an important announcement. He said that European countries should not try to set up new colonies in the Americas. This policy became known as the Monroe Doctrine. It shaped American foreign policy for nearly 200 years.

Why It Was Declared

In the early 1800s, many countries in Central and South America were winning their independence from Spain. The United States worried that other European powers might try to take over these new nations. President Monroe declared that the Americas were no longer open for colonization.

Its Lasting Impact

At first, the United States was not strong enough to enforce the doctrine. But as America grew more powerful, presidents used the Monroe Doctrine to justify actions in Latin America. The policy helped keep European powers from colonizing the Western Hemisphere.

Fun Facts

• The Monroe Doctrine was announced in President Monroe's annual speech to Congress in 1823.
• Secretary of State John Quincy Adams helped write the policy behind the Monroe Doctrine.
• The Monroe Doctrine has been referenced by presidents for nearly 200 years.

Did You Know?

The Monroe Doctrine was not actually called by that name until many years after President Monroe announced it.