The Monroe Doctrine

In 1823 U.S. President James Monroe proclaimed the U.S. protector of the Western Hemisphere

Banned European powers from colonizing additional territories in the Americas

In return, Monroe committed to not interfere in the affairs, conflicts, and colonies of Europe

Problem! U.S.A could not enforce it

(1) the United States would not interfere in the internal affairs of or the wars between European powers

(2) the United States recognized and would not interfere with existing colonies and dependencies in the Western Hemisphere

(3) the Western Hemisphere was closed to future colonization

(4) any attempt by a European power to oppress or control any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States

Initially a hands-off approach to foreign policy: "You stay on your side and we stay on our side".

Laid the groundwork for the U.S. acting as the protector of the World

The U.S. was worried that European nations would encroach on the U.S. sphere of influence by carving out colonial territories in the Western Hemisphere

Particularly worried about Russia, who planned to expand into the Oregon territory, and about Spain and France trying to reclaim their lost colonies

The 1904 Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserted the U.S. role as policeman of the Western Hemisphere and its right to involve itself in the affairs of Latin American countries

U.S.A becomes the protector of the world after World War II

Also.... May 5th