What is the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine ?
The Monroe Doctrine proclaimed that the Americas should be free from future European colonization and free from European interference in sovereign countries' affairs. It further stated the United States' intention to stay neutral in European wars and in wars between European powers and their colonies but to consider any new colonies or interference with independent countries in the Americas as hostile acts toward the United States.by staisil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_Doctrine
The purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to establish America's dominance and influence in the Western Hemisphere while also protecting its interests. It was a policy articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, aimed at discouraging European colonization or further intervention in the Americas.
To understand the purpose, we can start by looking at the historical context. In the early 19th century, many Latin American countries were gaining independence from their European colonial powers. The United States, having recently gained independence itself and seeing an opportunity to assert its authority, wanted to discourage European powers from reasserting control or establishing new colonies in the region.
The primary purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to protect American security and promote American interests. This involved two key points:
1. Non-Intervention: The doctrine stated that European nations should not interfere in the affairs of newly independent Latin American countries. This was meant to prevent European powers from attempting to reestablish control over these territories, while also preventing any new colonization efforts. The United States wanted to be the dominant power in the Western Hemisphere and maintain influence without facing competition from European powers.
2. Non-Colonization: The doctrine declared that any attempts by European powers to colonize or control territories in the Americas would be considered a threat to the United States. This was a bold assertion, indicating that the United States would view any European intervention as an act of aggression and potentially take action to defend its interests.
Overall, the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to establish and maintain American hegemony in the Western Hemisphere, ensure the security of newly independent Latin American countries, and protect American interests by preventing European powers from expanding their influence.