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Monroe Doctrine
Directions:
1) Read and annotate the following document.
2) Highlight, at least, two pieces of evidence that respond to the writing prompt.
3) Write a topic sentence/thesis statement that responds to the writing prompt.
4) Respond to the questions in complete sentences.
Writing Prompt: What was the Monroe Doctrine and why did President Monroe proclaim it?
The Monroe Doctrine, 1823
Excerpt from “American Timeline:1789-1837”
During the early 1800s, many colonies belonging to Spain and Portugal in the Americas were flexing
their muscles. Soon revolutions in the Western Hemisphere became widespread. Because of
involvement in the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, Spain and Portugal had ignored their American
colonies. Argentina, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Columbia, Bolivia, and Mexico won their independence.
Others followed until, by 1825, at least eleven colonies had emerged as independent nations in Latin
America.
Following these revolutions and the end of the European wars, Monroe and many other Americans
feared the European powers would again try to colonize in Latin America. And England, concerned
that France would attempt to establish colonies in Central South America, asked the U.S. in 1823 to
join with her in warning European nations not to colonize in the New World. Monroe, prepared to
accept the offer, was stopped by Adams who felt the U.S. could gain by making such a statement on
its own. He persuaded Monroe of the value of such a gesture and on December 2, 1823, the
President delivered, in his annual State of the Union address to Congress, The Monroe Doctrine. This
stated “that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have
assumed and maintained are henceforth not be considered as subjects for future colonization by any
European powers.” This was a declaration of independence for all the Americas. [Additionally, in the
address, “he also said that the United States would not interfere in internal European affairs.
For much of the nineteenth century, the United States lacked the military strength to prevent
European intervention in the New World. But since European meddling threatened British as well as
American interests, the Monroe Doctrine was enforced by the Royal Navy. Nevertheless, for
the American people, the Monroe Doctrine was the proud symbol of American …[control] in the
Western Hemisphere. Unilaterally, the United States had defined its rights and interests in the New
World” (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History).]
Create a topic sentence or thesis statement that responds to the writing prompt .
Using your best piece of evidence from the reading, the textbook, and the “Elaboration
Strategies (How to Begin your Bottom Bun!!)” sheet, explain why President Monroe
proclaimed the Monroe Doctrine. Please respond in paragraph format and spend time
elaborating (creating the “bottom bun”) on your quote.
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Directions: Respond to the following questions in complete sentences.
1) What became known as the “Monroe Doctrine” was a very bold statement at that point in time. Do
you agree or disagree with is statement? Explain.
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2) Do you think President Monroe could have enforced his proclamation? Why or why not?
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Excerpted from http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/age-jackson/resources/monroe-doctrine-1823
http://www.edusolution.com/edusolution2/global/jan2004/page6.htm
Topic sentence/ Thesis: