James Monroe Foreign Policy

803 Words4 Pages
Katheryne Gottlieb U.S history November 22, 2011 Foreign Policies “The right of self defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals, and whether the attack be made by Spain herself or by those who abuse her power, its obligation is not the less strong,” James Monroe (brainyquote.com). Monroe believed that the United States should stay out of foreign affairs, unless the safety or security was threatened by another country, and that Europe should stay out of American affairs. Monroe stated that the Americas were no longer open for European colonization. Even though a few amendments have been made to the doctrine America still uses some of the ideas of Monroe’s ideas in decisions made by the government. In 1823 France and Spain, backed by Russia, Prussia, and Austria, joined forces to restore Bourbon power in Europe. Alarmed by this news Great…show more content…
If there is no threat to America by a conflict in Europe, or any continent, then America should mind their own business and let them settle the matter on their own. However if there is a conflict that was not a threat when it began but became a threat as it continued then America should intervene. For example the events of September eleventh 2001, when terrorists crashed into the twin towers in hijacked planes. Then the conflict in the Middle East became a threat to national security and America was right to intervene. However the civil war in Libya in 2011 was not a threat to America and protestor in Libya had made it clear that they did not want, or need help from westerners. However America still sent ships off the coast of Libya and bombed the military bases. As I have shown America only follows Monroe’s beliefs when most convenient for themselves and when they want to. However they do expect Europe and the Middle East to stay out of American conflicts and
Open Document