DTW GED PREP

When James Monroe became President of the United States in 1817, the nation was still defining its role on the global stage. Two years after the War of 1812, Monroe and his administration were deeply aware of the threats posed by European powers, which continued to dominate global politics. Monroe was particularly concerned about the possibility of European nations attempting to reassert control over territories in the Americas. By the early 19th century, many Latin American countries had successfully revolted against Spanish and Portuguese colonial rule, establishing their independence. However, Monroe feared that European powers, particularly Spain, might attempt to reclaim these territories, or that other European nations might seek to establish new colonies in the Western Hemisphere.

To address these concerns, Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, a bold and defining statement of U.S. foreign policy. This doctrine had two key principles. First, it declared that the United States would oppose any European efforts to establish new colonies or interfere with independent nations in North or South America. Monroe made it clear that such actions would be considered a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States. Second, the doctrine affirmed that the United States would remain neutral in European conflicts, provided that European nations did not interfere in the affairs of the Americas. This policy effectively divided the world into two spheres of influence: the Americas, under U.S. protection, and Europe, where the U.S. pledged non-involvement.

The Monroe Doctrine was significant for several reasons. It established the United States as a defender of the newly independent nations in the Americas, signaling a shift from isolationism to a more assertive role in international affairs. Although the United States at the time lacked the military power to enforce the doctrine independently, it aligned with British interests, as Britain also sought to prevent other European powers from colonizing the Americas. This unofficial support from the British navy lent credibility to the doctrine’s enforcement.

In a broader context, the Monroe Doctrine marked the beginning of the United States’ emergence as a player in global politics. It asserted the nation’s authority in the Western Hemisphere and laid the groundwork for future U.S. policies aimed at protecting its interests in the Americas. Over time, the Monroe Doctrine would evolve and be invoked in various forms, shaping U.S. foreign policy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Its initial proclamation, however, reflected a growing sense of national confidence and a commitment to safeguarding the independence of nations across the Americas.

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 1.  Read the following passage, and then answer the question.

 In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the

 arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been

 judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and

 interests of the United States are involved, that the American

 continents, by the free and independent condition which they have

 assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as

 subjects for future colonization by any European powers.

 —Excerpt from President James Monroe’s State of the Union Address,

 1823

What is the central idea of this excerpt?

 A.   No other countries can establish colonies in the Americas.

 B.   The United States plans to begin more colonies in the future.

 C.   Each of the states in the United States is free and independent.

 D.   The continents of the Americas can be ruled by European powers.

 2.  Read the following passage, and then answer the question.

 Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early

 stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the

 globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in

 the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the

 government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to

 cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations

 by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just

 claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none.

 —Excerpt from President James Monroe’s State of the Union Address,

 1823

 What is the central idea of this excerpt?

 A.   The United States believes that wars in Europe have lasted for too long.

 B.   The United States will not interfere with events in European countries.

 C.   The United States will submit to the governments of the European countries.

 D.   The United States plans to model its government after the governments in Europe