The Monroe Doctrine (1823): America’s Declaration of Global Power
"America for Americans." Delivered by President James Monroe in 1823, this bold foreign policy statement warned European powers that the Western Hemisphere was closed to future colonization. It established the U.S. as the protector of the Americas. Download this foundational text to understand the origin of U.S. dominance in the region.
Download the Monroe Doctrine: The Hemisphere is Closed
For the first few decades of its existence, the United States was a minor player on the world stage. That changed in 1823 with the announcement of the Monroe Doctrine.
At Political Jar, we provide the primary sources that explain how the U.S. became a superpower. We are offering a free PDF download of the Monroe Doctrine so you can read the document that drew a line in the Atlantic Ocean.
A Warning to Europe
Buried within President James Monroe’s seventh annual message to Congress was a stern warning to the Great Powers of Europe: the era of colonization in the Americas was over.
Drafted largely by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the doctrine established three main principles:
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Non-Colonization: The Western Hemisphere was no longer open to future colonization by European powers.
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Two Spheres: The U.S. would not interfere in European wars, and Europe should not interfere in American affairs.
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Non-Intervention: Any attempt by Europe to control independent nations in the Americas would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States.
From Theory to Empire
While the U.S. lacked the navy to enforce this doctrine in 1823, it eventually became the cornerstone of American foreign policy. It was later used by Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy to justify U.S. intervention in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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To understand modern U.S. relations with the world, you must understand where it started.
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