The Monroe Doctrine

President James Monroe’s Seventh Annual Message to Congress

December 2, 1823

“At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange, by amicable negotiation, the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent.
A similar proposal had been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to.
The Government of the United States has been desirous, by this friendly proceeding, of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor, and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his government.
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.”

“It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation.
It need scarcely be remarked that the result has been, so far, very different from what was then anticipated.
Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse, and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators.
The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow men on that side of the Atlantic.
In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so.
It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparations for our defense.
With the movements in this hemisphere we are, of necessity, more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers.”

“The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America.
This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective governments.
And to the defense of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted.
We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety.
With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere;
but with the governments who have declared their independence and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.”

“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 — 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.
But in regard to these continents circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different.
It is impossible that the Allied Powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord.
It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition, in any form, with indifference.”

Summary

President James Monroe’s 1823 message to Congress—later known as the Monroe Doctrine—asserted three enduring principles:

1. No New Colonization – The Americas were closed to further European colonization.
2. Non-Interference – European powers were not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere.
3. American Neutrality – The United States would not meddle in European internal conflicts or wars.

This declaration defined a hemispheric boundary between the Old World and the New, shaping American foreign policy for generations.

Document reproduced for historical and educational use by Patriot Echoes.