James Monroe Famous Event
The fifth president of the United States, James Monroe was fortunate to live through the era of Good Feelings. His most famous event could be his message to Congress on December 2, 1823 where he delivered the Monroe Doctrine. |
This famous policy came to be known as the Monroe Doctrine 20 years after Monroe’s death. His message stated that the Americas have to be free from potential European colonization and not to be subject to European interference in the affairs of the sovereign countries. He also affirmed that the United States will stay neutral in European conflicts and wars between European colonies and their sovereign powers. He further stated that any new colonies or interference with independent countries in the Americas will be considered as antagonistic undertaking toward the United States. This most famous contribution by Monroe to society was actually written by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. Monroe began to formally recognize the former Spanish colonies or the young sister republics in 1822. Monroe and Adams had not wanted any trouble with Spain until it finally gave Florida over to the U.S. in 1821.
The next trying time came when Britain stipulated that United States adopt a “hands off” policy in opposing re-conquest of Latin America. Though Jefferson and Madison, both presidents before his time, advised him to accept it, he declined it in favor of Adam’s advice. Adam said that it would be better to affirm their principles openly to Russia and France than go with Britain.
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