This document discusses the Monroe Doctrine and its context. It summarizes that while George Washington advocated for avoiding permanent alliances, the US later grew concerned about European influence in Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine opposed European colonization in the Americas and was announced in 1823. However, the doctrine did not immediately cause the Holy Alliance to avoid Latin America or Russia to withdraw from Oregon, as other geopolitical factors were also at play. The US needed a strong military and economic power to truly back up the Monroe Doctrine.

1. “Tis our true policy to
steer clear of permanent
alliances with any portion
of the foreign world.”
George Washington’s
Farewell Address
September 17, 1786

2. “There can be no greater
error than to expect or
calculate upon real favors
from nation to nation.”
George
Washington’s
Farewell Address
September 17, 1786

3. If these were the sentiments of
one of our founding fathers, how
has our country become so
involved in foreign affairs?

4. The Monroe Doctrine
December 2, 1823

5. Context of the Doctrine
• By 1825, all Latin
American countries,
except for Cuba and
Puerto Rico, had
gained independence
from Spain.
• In 1822, Brazil had
gained independence
from Portugal

6. And yet, it appeared the Europe
might still colonization in Latin
America!

7. With the Napoleonic Wars over,
the US was concerned that the
victorious European countries
would work to restore
monarchical governments in
Europe.

8. At the end of the Napoleonic
Wars, The Holy Alliance was
formed by Russia, Austria, and
Prussia.

11. The Holy Alliance’s main goal was
to defend monarchies in Europe.

12. They also authorized the use of
their militaries to reinstate the
Spanish monarchy in Spain and
its colonies.

13. Although Britain had been part
of the Quadruple Alliance, with
Austria, Prussia, and Russia , to
defeat Napoleon, Britain did not
join the Holy Alliance.

14. Britain and the US
Were enjoying profitable trade with the
independent Latin American countries

15. And then…
Russia claimed
Alaska and said
their territory
extended into
Oregon…

17. • But, Oregon was
also claimed by:
–Britain
–The US

18. Britain and the US
The British foreign minister suggested a joint
statement saying that both countries
opposed intervention in Latin America and
that neither would try to acquire it for
themselves

19. Should the US join in Britain’s
statement?
Some backed signing
the agreement
Others, such as
Secretary of State
John Quincy Adams,
argued that it would
look as if the US
were following “in the
wake of the British
man-of-war”.

20. Well, what is a
“British Man of War?”

21. So what did Adams mean?

22. Why would Britain be considered
a force to be reckoned with?

24. Why would the US not be
considered a threat?

25. President
Monroe chose
to act alone.
In an address to
Congress, he
introduced the
doctrine in two
widely
separated
passages.

26. So what happened next?

27. So what happened next?
The Holy Alliance never
intervened in Latin
America!

28. So what happened next?
The Holy Alliance never
intervened in Latin
America!
Russia agreed to
withdraw from Oregon

29. So the Monroe Doctrine was an
immediate success!

30. Hmmmm

31. If one event happens after
another event, does that mean
the first event caused the second
event?

32. • The Holy Alliance never invaded
Latin America, but not out of fear
of the US.
• If they actually ever considered it,
it was because of fear of the
British Navy!

33. Russia withdrew from Oregon…
but not out of fear of the US but
because they were
overextended.

34. Russia withdrew from Oregon…
but not out of fear of the US but
because they were
overextended.
They could not effectively govern
anything in North America all the
way from St.Petersburg!

35. What did the US need to make
the Monroe Doctrine effective?