What is the essence of the Monroe Doctrine? How did it affect US foreign policy at the end of the 19th century?

The Monroe Doctrine is a declaration of US foreign policy principles. It was proclaimed on December 2, 1823. This doctrine determined the basic principles that will guide the United States of America at the foreign policy level.

The essence of the doctrine can be expressed in the following provisions:

– The United States will not interfere in internal affairs or wars between European countries.

– The United States recognizes the sovereignty of the colonies in the Western Hemisphere and will not interfere in their affairs.

– The United States will not colonize territories in the Western Hemisphere and will not allow other countries to do so.

– If European countries take any action aimed at conquering states in the Western Hemisphere, then these actions by the United States will be regarded as unfriendly.

This doctrine had a huge impact on US policy in the late 19th century, namely:

– The United States has actually designated the entire Western Hemisphere as a zone of its interests.

– The USA did not allow the repeated intervention and conquest of the territories of North and South America by Spain, France and Great Britain.

– The United States expanded its territory to the West at the expense of the territories of Mexico and the former Spanish, French and British colonies.

– The United States managed to start building a strong economy through non-intervention in military conflicts in Europe and the world.

It is also worth making a reservation and pointing out that the United States did not always fully adhere to the principles of the Monroe Doctrine, often interpreting these principles as beneficial to them in certain situations.