Monroe Doctrine
... They feared that their profitable trade would be hurt if Spain regained control of its former colonies. Thus, they suggested that the United States and Britain issue a joint statement guaranteeing the freedom of the new nations of Latin America. Monroe decided to act independently of Britain. In a message to Congress in 1823, he made a bold foreign policy statement, known as the Monroe Doctrine. Monroe declared that the U.S would not interfere in the affairs of European nations or existing colonies of the European nations. At the same time, he warned European nations not to attempt to regain control of the newly independent nations of Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine stated that the United States would oppose any attempt to build new colonies in the Americas. Monroe’s message showed that the United States was determined to keep European powers out of the Western Hemisphere. The United States didn’t have the military power to enforce the Monroe Doctrine. Britain, however, supported the stateme...