Although initially disregarded by the great powers of Europe, the Monroe Doctrine became a mainstay of U.S. foreign policy. In 1823 U.S. President James Monroe proclaimed the U.S. protector of the Western Hemisphere by forbidding European powers from colonizing additional territories in the Americas.

The key point of the Doctrine was to separate the influence in which The United States and European powers would have. Europe would have no intervention within the Western Hemisphere and likewise the United States would not become entangled in European affairs.

The Monroe Doctrine deeply effected the United States’ foreign policy relationship with Latin American countries. In Latin American countries such as Spain, it had a positive effect because the U.S. demanded Spain to leave the U.S. alone based on the isolationist position.

President Monroe did not state how the United States would enforce threats toward Europe. Monroe did not command a powerful navy like Great Britain. The United States did not have a large army like Spain. There was not money to fund acts of military intervention.

Roosevelt tied his policy to the Monroe Doctrine, and it was also consistent with his foreign policy of “walk softly, but carry a big stick.” Roosevelt stated that in keeping with the Monroe Doctrine, the United States was justified in exercising “international police power” to put an end to chronic unrest or …

Great Britain shared the general objective of the Monroe Doctrine, and even wanted to declare a joint statement to keep other European powers from further colonizing the New World. The British feared their trade with the New World would be harmed if the other European powers further colonized it.

Britain proposed a common policy on Larin America because the Monroe Doctrine satisfied the demands of the British, which kept the French, Dutch and Spanish out of America, as well as sustained trade with them.

Why did the United States take a stronger stand in foreign affairs after the War of 1812? The US felt more confident. The US feared losing land. The US wanted to punish Britain.

Minister Onís and Secretary Adams reached an agreement whereby Spain ceded East Florida to the United States and renounced all claim to West Florida. Spain received no compensation, but the United States agreed to assume liability for $5 million in damage done by American citizens who rebelled against Spain.