THE IMPACT OF THE MONROE DOCTRINE ON EUROPEAN COLONIAL AMBITIONS IN THE AMERICAS
Keywords:
Monroe Doctrine, European colonialism, U.S. foreign policyAbstract
This thesis examines the impact of the Monroe Doctrine on European colonial ambitions in the Americas, exploring how this pivotal 1823 policy shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere. Initially introduced by President James Monroe, the doctrine declared the Americas off-limits to further European colonization and warned against foreign intervention in the region’s internal affairs. This research investigates the doctrine's origins, underlying principles, and its immediate and lasting effects on European colonial strategies, as well as its role in establishing U.S. influence over Latin America. By analyzing key historical cases and shifts in European policy, this study reveals how the Monroe Doctrine curbed direct colonial expansion but encouraged European powers to pursue indirect influence through economic and diplomatic channels. Additionally, the doctrine’s legacy as a foundation for U.S. interventionism is explored, tracing its evolution through policies like the Roosevelt Corollary and its impact on modern U.S.-Latin American relations. This research underscores the Monroe Doctrine’s significance in American foreign policy and its lasting influence on hemispheric power dynamics.
References
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