LAD #10 Monroe Doctrine

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

The Monroe Doctrine expressed America's strength and influence as an international power. The United States was a new nation that Europe seemed to underestimate, by issuing this Doctrine the U.S. established the fact that it was powerful. The Doctrine served to prevent Europe from any further colonization of the Americas which was a bold move considering the U.S. was assuming control and telling European nations what to do. It also showed America's desire to keep peace and maintain its form of government and legitimize its government in the eyes of Europe. 

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

Adams hoped to keep the U.S. safe from wars and affairs with European nations. He wanted to keep any further European influence that would threaten the safety of the U.S. away. He wanted to keep peace and neutrality. Adams also hoped to establish the U.S. as a powerful new nation that would be influential in foreign affairs and policies. 

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

 "As a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that 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. . ." is the phrase that serves as the cornerstone because it is saying that the U.S. is forbidding European nations from further colonization in the Americas. The U.S. is stating that they are free and in order to protect their government and way of life European influence needs to be kept at a minimum in America.