Consequences of the Monroe Doctrine
by Rit NosotroComparative Essay
Compare the effect of the Monroe Doctrine on world affairs.
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The Monroe doctrine formally set US foreign policy to permanently be the "big brother" first in Latin America and extending into the world.
Summary:
It would be accurate to say that the Monroe Doctrine has changed the course of world history. No longer were the Americas free game for imperialistic European countries. Without outside interference, the Latin American countries were able to develop their internal interests.
The Monroe Doctrine was the wedge pounded into history separating old world influences from the new. It occurred at the crucial moment when the European countries were hungrily looking to carve South America up amongst themselves. Both the nations it protected and those who were wishing to get in were greatly influenced by it. In a nut shell it stated that, "The United States would not interfere in European wars or internal affairs, and expected Europe to stay out of American affairs." 1
Spain, France, and Russia were some of the European countries influenced by the Monroe Doctrine. These countries did not want to give up their trade or market outlet and source for raw materials in the new world. In those days, world status was defined by the size of one's army, and it took a great deal of wealth to support such an army. Consequently, this was the reason why so many European countries sought the wealth that colonies could supply. Thus, there was talk of Spain joining up with France in order to reclaim their rebellious colonies in the new world. Also at that time Russia had formed the Holy Alliance with Prussia and Austria in order to maintain world domination. "With the possibility of help from the Holy Alliance and France, Spain's goal was looking realistic."2
The US did not look favorably on this proposition. In order to keep all these meddling countries out, U. S. President James Monroe went before Congress on December 2, 1823 to propose his new foreign policy. As a result, Spain, France, and Russia were told to stay out of the New World. Although Monroe really did not have a means to back up his statement, it held true to the extent that it was later formalized and enforced. The US had another interest in mind when it stated this new policy. Russia had staked several claims along the west coast in Oregon. If the Monroe doctrine were followed, it would leave the US as the only influencing force in the Americas. "The Monroe Doctrine also served to express U.S. interest in increasing its trade with the other countries of the Western Hemisphere." 3 Finally, the US did not want to tie itself to world affairs. If European countries controlled parts of the Americas, it would be a lot easier for the US to get involved in "European" wars as they would most likely spread to the colonies.
Even Britain was influenced by this new policy. At that time, Britain was greatly opposed to Spain and France re-entering the New World. "All the work of Wolfe, Chatham and other eighteenth-century British statesmen to get France out of the New World would be undone, and France would again be a power in the Americas."4 Trade was also a key factor in Britain's policy. "As free republics, the Spanish-American nations traded with the United Kingdom. If they became colonies again, whether of Spain or of France, their trade with the United Kingdom would certainly be cut down."3 So Britain's position really was based on rivalry and protection of its own interests. In any case, Britain supported Monroe's position which may be one of the only reasons it survived since ".it met British interests as well as those of the United States and, for the next 100 years, it was secured by the backing of the Royal Navy."4 Britain was even willing to make a few sacrifices as long as it meant the Doctrine would remain intact and keep other countries out. For example, in "1836, Americans objected to Britain's alliance with Texas on the principle of the Monroe Doctrine."4 Britain also respected the doctrine during James K. Polk's term of office when it was asked to keep its influence out of Oregon.
When looking at the effects of the Monroe Doctrine, many times its results on the US are overlooked. Along with the Monroe Doctrine came a new role for the US. Since other countries were not allowed to come to the Americas, it was up to the US to be the "big brother" of this new world. However, it may be noted that Latin American countries label the US as a bully that sticks its nose into other's business. But even so, the US was the one looked to for mediation when there were disputes. For example, the US has intervened in Argentina, Chile, Haiti, Cuba, and many other Latin American countries in their various internal struggles and other disputes. An example would be American intervention against Chile's rebel groups in 1891. Perhaps this new role is what started the attitude that has led to major US involvement around the world in such countries as Korea and Vietnam. The US foreign roles were changed permanently after the Monroe Doctrine was put into effect.
The Monroe Doctrine was especially influential in the history of Latin American countries. Around the early 1800's many Latin American areas, under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, had declared their independence from the controlling powers in Europe. These new countries lacked the military strength and experience to fight off their old masters. However, when the Monroe doctrine was put into effect, they no longer had to put all their energies into possibilities of avoiding war with foreign powers and could turn to such things as government and development. However, it took some newly formed nations decades to find their way on the world stage after being isolated by the Monroe Doctrine.
Argentina was a typical example. Decades after declaring independence from Spain in 1810, Argentina finally emerged from a series of disastrous civil conflicts and notorious military coups that culminated in another brutal tyrant establishing military "order". When the dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas was finally forced out of power in 1852, Argentina, under the leadership of Juan Bautista Alberdi, adopted ideas of Adam Smith and Thomas Jefferson that the primary purpose of government was to ensure the protection of rights to life, liberty, and property. Investment money flowed into the stabilized country. Alberdi commented, "South America has contributed nothing to world civilization except its wars and the victory in its struggle for independence, the only glory which exists among us is martial glory, and our great men are all military heroes. Not a single invention like that of Franklin, like that of Fulton, like the telegraph, and many others which the civilized world owes to North America, has been contributed by our America of the south."5
Had the Monroe Doctrine not been adopted, Latin American as well as world history would have been very different from what it is now. The situation may have been similar to Africa in that Latin America would have been carved up by the European powers into small holdings causing many short and long term results. For example, Spanish would not be the main language spoken; there would also be German, French, English, and others. The current borders would also be very different. They would be divided according to the colonies that had been staked out. In conclusion, the Monroe Doctrine had effects on many countries when it was formed, but the greatest consequences took part in Latin America because this doctrine allowed it to develop without many foreign influences as the US played more of a protector role.
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Bibliography and Endnotes:
Becker, Marc. History of U.S. Interventions in Latin America. March 1999.
1The Monroe Doctrine (1823).
2Monroe Doctrine. 1998-2005.
123Student. 3Gilderhus, Mark T. Monroe
Doctrine. World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia Jaguar Edition Version 7.1 for
Mac. 20002.
4Monroe Doctrine. Wikipedia
free encyclopedia. 23 Mar 2005 5 Hornberger, Jacob G,
Classical Liberalism in Argentina: A Lesson for the World, <http://www.fff.org/freedom/0794a.asp>
(July, 1994)
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