they wanted to assert their dominance in the Western Hemisphere and prevent European colonization or intervention in the Americas. The doctrine stated that any European attempts to interfere with the countries in the Americas would be seen as a threat to the United States' national security. It also signaled the United States' intention to act as a guardian of the newly independent Latin American countries and ensure that they would not be re-colonized by European powers. The Monroe Doctrine laid the foundation for American foreign policy principles in the region and emphasized the country's commitment to defending its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
