LESSON 51: The Monroe Doctrine

LESSON 51: The Monroe Doctrine (8.5E)

Today we will explain the impact of the Monroe Doctrine using a reading selection.

Today we will use interactive slides with area vocabulary to explain the impact of the Monroe Doctrine.

How did the Monroe Doctrine establish the U.S. as a world power?

IT MATTERS BECAUSE

The United States opposed intervention in the Americas by European powers for decades after many Latin American countries became independent. 

Open Ended

It Matters Because

The United States opposed intervention in the Americas by European powers for decades after many Latin American countries became independent.

DO NOW: List three details from the political cartoons above.

Key Vocabulary

• James Monroe

• Monroe Doctrine

• Western Hemisphere

• Foreign

James Monroe

The Napoleonic Wars in Europe did not just affect Europe and the United States. South and Central America were controlled by European powers during these wars. As the European powers were engaged in continuous wars, and their resources were diverted elsewhere, Latin American colonies controlled by Spain and Portugal began to rebel and seek independence from their own “mother countries.”  A revolutionary, Simon Bolivar, was a great leader that helped many of these countries fight for their independence. Bolivar is sometimes referred to as, “the Liberator,” and “the George Washington of South America.” Many of these countries also gained inspiration from the successful American Revolution.

Multiple Choice

Bolivar's main goal was to establish ________ in South America.

• A utopian society

• Thriving industry and commerce

• A strong military

• Independent, democratic nations

Western Hemisphere Countries

By the 1820’s, the wars in Europe had come to an end. Many European powers were talking about sending armies back to the Western Hemisphere to reclaim and reconquer lost colonies. Others may have been planning a new round of colonization. The United States, being a renegade colony itself, and having just fought a war with England that some have referred to as the “Second American Revolution,” saw European armies crossing the Atlantic as a very serious threat to its own existence.

Multiple Choice

In the years following the War of 1812, the United States became a powerful leader in the ____________ hemisphere.

• northern

• southern

• western

• eastern

The Monroe Doctrine

In 1823, while delivering his State of the Union speech, President James Monroe issued what has come to be known as the “Monroe Doctrine.” In it, Monroe said that the United States would be opposed to any European country that attempted to recapture a breakaway colony, or to any European country that wanted to start new colonies in the Western Hemisphere, including the Caribbean Islands. In return, Monroe stated that it would be the official US policy to remain neutral in European affairs, and to stay out of any future European wars. This policy has guided the US up until the World Wars, and events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960’s. For good or bad, the Monroe Doctrine is still referred to and guides US foreign policy, even to this day.   

Multiple Choice

The Monroe Doctrine would be an example of

• U.S. Foreign Policy

• U.S. Domestic Policy

Multiple Choice

The U.S. foreign policy illustrated in this cartoon was intended to-

• prevent further European colonization in the Western Hemisphere

• deter Spain from inciting revolution in former U.S. colonies

• encourage European powers to invest in Latin America

• keep the war between France and Spain from spreading to Latin America

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following was a major reason for the issuance of the Monroe Doctrine?

• discourage United States trade with Latin America

• defend the Panama Canal from Great Britain

• prevent further European colonization in the Americas

• provide economic aid to Latin American nations