Monroe+Doctrine,+182

**Monroe Doctrine**
 By: Nauma Haider April 3, 2009 H U.S. History Period 1

Explain the times and/or issues that gave cause to your document
 At the time of the creation of the Monroe Doctrine, the United States was a young nation determined to keep the Western hemisphere free of foreign influence. This was mainly targeting Europe, specifically Spain. Spain had many colonies in Latin America. However, these former colonies were now independent nations. To stop other European powers from colonizing, the Monroe Doctrine was formed to restrict the spheres of influence formed in the areas which were so close to the U.S. The doctrine also emphasized the traditional isolationist policies modeled after Washington’s Farewell Address.

What is the history of your document? Describe its origins (people places etc).
 This document was created as a policy of isolationism. The U.S. prohibited any European involvement in Latin American affairs, including the establishment of new colonies. In turn, the United States agreed to not get occupied in European dealings. President James Monroe (1817-1825) enacted this doctrine on December 2, 1823, after the former Spanish colonies in Latin America gained their independence from Spain.

Was there any controversy attached to this document from any direction?
 There was definitely some controversy regarding the Monroe Doctrine. The nations of Europe did not feel this doctrine was appropriate since it limited their spheres of influence which, in the age of imperialism, stopped their newly expanding, wealthy empires. However, due to the United States’ amateur navy, the doctrine was disregarded at first.

What is the significance of this document in American history?
 This document is very significant in American history because it is the foundation for most of the foreign policies of the U.S. With the addition of the Roosevelt Corollary in 1904, this doctrine has been vital for the United States to remain isolated and neutral in world affairs. It has also justified the expansion of the West during the 19th century, when combined with the idea of Manifest Destiny.

Where would you place this document on a scale of 100 - 1? Explain your position. (1 = most important)
 I would place this document at 11. The Monroe Doctrine is a vital part part of most of the United States’ past and present foreign policies. It has greatly influenced history. An example would be the isolationist policies put in effect during the start of World War II. If the U.S. was not neutral, perhaps the Second World War would not have occurred for as long as it had. In addition, all the new technology, such as the atomic bomb, would not have been used, and the start of the nuclear arms race with the USSR would not have arose. ===ID the document 10 spots before yours. Compare and contrast your documents. Which was more important/significant in YOUR opinion. ===  The Monroe Doctrine and the Morrill Act are similar and different in many ways. The Morrill Act provided land grants for colleges. This led to an expansion of many agricultural institutions. It differs from the Monroe Doctrine in that the Morrill Act was focusing on national issues, such as land and education. The Monroe Doctrine was based on foreign policy and international affairs. These two document are similar in that the Morrill Act and the Monroe Doctrine assisted the expansion of the United States. The Morrill Act provided acres of land based on the census of the state. This caused an increase in emigration to the Western U.S. The Monroe Doctrine, along with Manifest Destiny, enhanced the ideology of having the country spread out and augment its’ land. I believe the Monroe Doctrine was more important since it formed the relations of the United States with other nations as well as protecting the newly independent Latin American countries.