December 3rd, 1823-
Yesterday President Monroe addressed Congress with a doctrine about America’s
involvement with Europe. Throughout
the doctrine, Monroe
was very adamant about how America
would deal with European affairs. It was made clear that America
would not allow any further colonization, would stay neutral toward Europe, would protect our
government from mixing with the systems in Europe and would stand no
interference from Europe with other
countries that have declared independence. Sounds like Monroe
has a few bones to pick with European countries. But what caused the president
to give this address? What specifically did he say in it? That is what we are
here to find out.
It is believed that Monroe
gave this doctrine because many Americans fear that the country's independence
is being threatened by the ambitions of the European countries. In this case,
the doctrine would lessen the fear once citizens knew that everything was
being done to protect the independence of our country and the ones around it.
However, Monroe
could have given the address to tell Europe to back off
or there will be severe consequences. I mean he did say that if he felt our
rights were being infringed he would take action. We will know for certain after
an interview with the president on Thursday.
Now we can get into the specifics of the doctrine. President Monroe included
four main points that we mentioned early, but he did elaborate on each point
considerably. On the topic of colonization, Monroe
said that he considered the want to recolonize in America
a threat to our "peace and safety". He says that whenever a country
comes to colonize they claim that they want to improve conditions for their
citizens yet it always turns out the opposite. Therefore, Monroe
is disallowing European countries to colonize.
The next point covered is our position towards Europe. On this topic,
Monroe
says it is in our best interest to stay neutral towards Europe at all
times. Of course, we will stay in contact with Europe to know
their movements and such, but we do not need to get involved. However, he did
say that we will not remain neutral if our rights are infringed so you can stop
worrying about Europeans coming in and ruining your lives. If we follow these
guidelines we will avoid trouble in America,
he says.
Monroe
then moves on to discuss the government systems of America
and Europe.
On the area, he says that our system is much more matured then theirs. As a
result, mixing the two would be a deadly combination and our Republican
government will be protected from that occurring. Finally, the president
wrapped up the doctrine by stating that any interference in Latin American will
also be considered the exception to neutrality. As you can see, he is becoming
very strict with Europe. Nice to see
the tables turned isn't it.
If you wish to find more details about the Monroe Doctrine as we've decided to
call it, the entire doctrine will be printed tomorrow. Plus we are interviewing
President Monroe on Thursday so expect to see that Friday. Now go out and have
a carefree time knowing your ARE
protected. For entertainment ideas, see the back page of this paper for plays,
operas, and such.
