what is the monroe doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine is a United States policy towards the Western Hemisphere that was articulated in President James Monroes seventh annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823. The doctrine warns European nations that the United States would not tolerate further colonization or puppet monarchs in the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine was conceived to meet major concerns of the moment, but it soon became a watchword of U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere. The Monroe Doctrine has three main concepts: separate spheres of influence for the Americas and Europe, non-colonization, and non-intervention. The United States would not interfere in the internal affairs of or the wars between European powers, recognize and would not interfere with existing colonies and dependencies in the Western Hemisphere, and the Western Hemisphere was closed to future colonization. The Monroe Doctrine became a cornerstone of future U.S. foreign policy and was enforced by the Royal Navy.