"The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers"—President James Monroe, December 1823
Which of the following explains why President Monroe said this?
a) He wanted to build the U.S. military and work toward Latin American independence.
b) He wanted to make sure Congress knew he was not going to use war to enforce his doctrine.
c) He wanted to show that the United States would no longer allow new European colonies in the Western Hemisphere.
d) He wanted to use his new doctrine to hide U.S. intentions to annex parts of Europe.