ent James Monroe told the world:
American neutrality and non-involvement in European affairs.
In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part; nor does it comport with our policies to do so.
Non-interference by the United States with existing colonial
arrangements in the Western Hemisphere.
With the existing colonies or dependencies of any
European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere.
Warning against any interference or intervention by other
foreign powers in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere.
the American continent, by the free and independent conditions which they have assumed and maintained,
are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for
future colonization by any European power.
we should consider any attempt on their part to extend
their system to any part of this hemisphere as dangerous
we could not view any interposition for the purpose of
oppressing them, or controlling in any manner their
destiny, by any European power in any other light than
as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition
it is impossible that the allied powers should extend
their political system to any portion of either
continent without endangering our peace and happiness.
Circumstances Which Gave Rise to the Monroe Doctrine
After Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at Waterloo, the victorious European powers formed the Congress of Europe to keep the peace, part of which, the Holy Alliance of Russia, Prussia and Austria, suppressed or wished to suppress revolutions against monarchical authority. Revolutions had broken out in a number of European countries, including Spain. Most of the nations of Latin America had revolted against Spain starting in 1808 and by 1822 they had gained their independence. French troops had already entered Spain and eventually restored King Ferdinand VII to th...