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Senate Journal
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Historical SummaryThe triumph of Napoleon in Spain in 1808 was followed by a succession of revolts in the Spanish colonies in America, and by 1821 all the colonies had established revolutionary governments. In 1823 France, with the sanction of the so-called Holy Alliance, had restored Ferdinand VII. of Spain to his throne; and later in the year another meeting of the allies was suggested to consider the question of aiding Spain to reduce its colonies to submission. In the meantime, in September, 1821, a Russian ukase had asserted the claim of that country to all the Pacific coast of North America north of the 51st parallel, and forbidden foreigners to trade in the region. The claim of Russia was opposed by both Great Britain and the United States. A proposal from Great Britain, in September, 1823, "that the two countries should unite in a declaration against European intervention in the colonies," was, however, declined. In his annual message of Dec. 2, 1823, Monroe, in discussing the relations of the United States with Russia, Spain, and the Spanish-American colonies, stated the policy which afterwards came to be known as the Monroe doctrine. The principal portions of the message dealing with the subject are given in the extracts following. REFERENCES. — Text of the message in House and Senate Journals, 18th Cong., 1st Sess.; the extracts here given are from the Memoirs, VI.; Madison’s Writings (ed. 1865), III., 339, 340; Jefferson’s Works (ed. 1854), VII., 315–317. Correspondence relating to the Russian treaty of 1824 is in Amer. State Papers, Foreign Relations, V., 434–471; the correspondence with Spain, ib., V., 368–428, throws light on the condition of the colonies. The policy stated by Monroe had been frequently enunciated, though less definitely, before 1823; interesting extracts, from 1787 onwards, are collected in Amer. History Leaflets, No. 4. The leading discussions of the Monroe doctrine are Gilman’s Monroe, chap. 7 (with valuable bibliography, Appendix IV.); G. F. Tucker’s Monroe Doctrine; Wharton’s Intern. Law Digest (ed. 1887), I., 268–298; Snow’s American Diplomacy, 237–294.
No. 80.
Monroe’s Message Enunciating the Monroe Doctrine
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. Petersburgh, 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. . . . 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.
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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 so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced, that we resent injuries, or make preparation for our defence. 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 defence 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 towards the United States. . . .
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Contents:
Chicago: "Monroe’s Message Enunciating the Monroe Doctrine," Senate Journal in Documentary Source Book of American History, 1606-1913, ed. William MacDonald (1863-1938) (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1916), 319–320. Original Sources, accessed December 12, 2024, http://originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PXXUUZYAGQSGLWJ.
MLA: . "Monroe’s Message Enunciating the Monroe Doctrine." Senate Journal, in Documentary Source Book of American History, 1606-1913, edited by William MacDonald (1863-1938), New York, The Macmillan Company, 1916, pp. 319–320. Original Sources. 12 Dec. 2024. http://originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PXXUUZYAGQSGLWJ.
Harvard: , 'Monroe’s Message Enunciating the Monroe Doctrine' in Senate Journal. cited in 1916, Documentary Source Book of American History, 1606-1913, ed. , The Macmillan Company, New York, pp.319–320. Original Sources, retrieved 12 December 2024, from http://originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PXXUUZYAGQSGLWJ.
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