12.9-12.10 Dilemma and Solution By: Jessie Smith, Victoria Haglund, Jayden Schoeps, Nick Czapiga, and Mack Toomey
Dilemma: What Should President Monroe do to Support the New Latin American Nations? In 1817 when Monroe became president, Americans turned their backs on affairs in Europe and focussed on revolts from Mexico to South America. Inspired by, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico started a revolution against Spain in 1810 and eventually won its independence in 1821. In South America, Simón Bolívar and José de San Martín, also sparked a revolution against Spain and also gained its independence in 1825. Both Americans and British loved the revolutions since they could finally trade with the Latin countries. Before, Spain did not allow them to.
Unlike British and the Americans, other Europeans did not like the revolutions and wanted Spain to recover its lost colonies. Britain did not want this to happen, so they asked the U.S. if they would join them in sending a message to Europe, telling them to leave the Latin Americans alone.
What Happened: The U.S. Issues the Monroe Doctrine Unsure if to go along with Britain s plan, Monroe asks Thomas Jefferson and James Madison for their opinions/thoughts. Both Jefferson and Madison did want to go along with the plan, and believed that the U.S. should always be involved if Europe ever meddles with the Americas. The Secretary of State, John Quincy Adams, believed the U.S. should send a message to Europe, but believed the U.S. should do it without Britain. James Monroe liked Adams idea and in 1823 he made a speech to Congress.
This speech became known as the Monroe Doctrine, and in it it states that the Americas are not future colonies of Europe and if Europe ever tries to take over any part of the Americas it would be considered a danger to peace and safety. Americans loved the Monroe Doctrine, but Europeans thought it was arrogant. The Monroe Doctrine became a basic principle of the U.S. foreign policy, saying that America will not accept European interference in American affairs.
Vocabulary Secretary of state - The head of the state department, who oversees matters relating to foreign countries. The secretary of state is an important member of the president's cabinet. Doctrine - A statement of official government policy, especially in foreign affairs.
Key Places 1. Latin America- Mexico and South American nations fought against and freed themselves from Spanish rule 2. United States- where James Monroe created the Monroe Doctrine 3. Europe- most wanted to help Spain regain their lost colonies. Also, they were annoyed by the Monroe Doctrine. 4. Great Britain- supported the Latin American revolutions and wanted the United States to help them send a message to European leaders to leave the Latin Americans alone.
Key People James Monroe: United States President in 1817 and creator of the Monroe Doctrine Miguel Hidalgo: A Mexican priest who inspired the Mexico to revolt against Spain Simón Bolívar: A Venezuelan leader who launched a revolution in Northern South America. José de San Martín: a revolutionary from Argentina, led the struggle for independence in Southern South America. John Quincy Adams: President James Monroe s Secretary of State
Review Quiz 1. Who did James Monroe ask for advice on whether or not to send a message to Europe, with Great Britain? A. James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington B. Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, and James Madison C. John Adams, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson The answer is B
Review Quiz 2. Who inspired the Mexican revolution against Spanish rule? A. Miguel Hidalgo B. Simon Bolivar C. Jose de San Martin The answer is A
Review Quiz 3. In 1823, what nation asked the United States to help them send a message to European leaders to leave Latin America alone? A. Spain B. France C. Great Britain The answer is C
Review Quiz 4. The Monroe Doctrine stated that nations of were not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. A. Asia B. North and South America C. Africa The answer is B
Review Quiz 5. By what year did both Mexico and South America have their independence from Spain? A. 1825 B. 1810 C. 1817 The answer is A
Review Quiz 6. Whose advice did James Monroe end up taking to write the Monroe Doctrine? A. Thomas Jefferson B. George Washington C. John Quincy Adams The answer is C