Important U.S. Doctrines Flashcards
CFPT
The Monroe Doctrine (1823)
Overview: Announced by President James Monroe, this doctrine declared that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization and that any interference by European powers in the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression, requiring U.S. intervention.
Significance: It was a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and limiting European influence.
The Doctrine of Judicial Review (1803)
Overview: Established in the case Marbury v. Madison, this doctrine gave the U.S. Supreme Court the authority to review the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and executive actions.
Significance: It solidified the role of the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government and ensured that the Constitution would remain the supreme law of the land.
The Doctrine of Nullification (1830s)
Overview: This doctrine, associated with South Carolina and the idea promoted by John C. Calhoun, argued that states had the right to nullify (invalidate) federal laws they deemed unconstitutional or harmful to their interests, particularly in relation to tariffs.
Significance: It contributed to the tensions between the federal government and states, especially in the lead-up to the Civil War, and was rejected by President Andrew Jackson and later courts.
The “Civil Rights” Doctrine (Post-Civil War)
Overview: Rooted in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, this doctrine established the principle of equality under the law for all Americans, particularly African Americans. It was enforced through landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which ended racial segregation.
Significance: It laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement and numerous subsequent legal and legislative victories for racial equality and other civil rights protections.
The “Doctrine of Precedent” (Stare Decisis)
Overview: The principle that courts should follow previous rulings (precedents) when deciding cases with similar facts, unless there is a compelling reason to overturn them.
Significance: It promotes stability and consistency in the law by ensuring that legal principles established in earlier decisions guide future rulings, creating a predictable and orderly legal system.
The Truman Doctrine (1947)
Overview: Announced by President Harry S. Truman, this doctrine stated that the United States would support countries that were resisting communist expansion, particularly in Europe and later in Asia.
Significance: It marked the beginning of the Cold War and led to U.S. intervention in various conflicts, such as the Greek Civil War and the Korean War, to contain communism.
The Eisenhower Doctrine (1957)
Overview: This doctrine, articulated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, stated that the United States would use military and economic assistance to defend Middle Eastern countries from communist aggression.
Significance: It was part of the broader strategy of containment during the Cold War, aiming to prevent the spread of communism in the Middle East, and set the stage for U.S. involvement in Lebanon and other areas of the region.
The “Containment Doctrine” (Late 1940s - 1980s)
Overview: Originating from U.S. foreign policy experts like George F. Kennan, this doctrine advocated for preventing the spread of communism by containing it within existing borders, rather than trying to roll it back where it had already taken root.
Significance: It guided U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, influencing military interventions, diplomatic efforts, and the formation of alliances like NATO to prevent Soviet expansion.
The Bush Doctrine (2001)
Overview: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, President George W. Bush articulated a doctrine that emphasized preemptive military action against perceived threats, especially those related to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This doctrine was used to justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Significance: It marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards unilateral military action and a focus on counterterrorism efforts, although it remains controversial due to its role in the Iraq War.
The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904)
Overview: An addition to the Monroe Doctrine by President Theodore Roosevelt, which stated that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin American countries to stabilize their economies and prevent European intervention.
Significance: This expanded the U.S.’s role in Latin America, justifying military interventions in several countries throughout the early 20th century, including the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
The “Laissez-Faire” Economic Doctrine (19th Century)
Overview: An economic doctrine that advocates for minimal government interference in the economy, emphasizing free markets and individual entrepreneurship.
Significance: It guided U.S. economic policy during much of the 19th century, contributing to rapid industrialization, but also to economic inequalities and labor unrest.
The “Manifest Destiny” Doctrine (1840s)
Overview: The belief that the United States was destined by God to expand across the North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Significance: This doctrine justified U.S. territorial expansion, leading to the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Trail migration, and the Mexican-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of large territories in the West.
The “One China” Policy (1970s - Present)
Overview: A diplomatic policy followed by the United States, which acknowledges that there is only one China, with Taiwan as part of it. This policy was formalized after the U.S. recognized the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1979, severing official ties with Taiwan.
Significance: The policy has shaped U.S.-China relations for decades, balancing Taiwan’s democratic status with the PRC’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan.
The “Moral Diplomacy” Doctrine (1913)
Overview: Articulated by President Woodrow Wilson, this doctrine emphasized the promotion of human rights and democratic values in U.S. foreign policy, replacing earlier policies based primarily on economic and military interests.
Significance: It was a shift towards more idealistic U.S. foreign policy, influencing interventions in Latin America and support for democratic movements around the world, although its effectiveness and consistency have been debated.
The “Good Neighbor Policy” (1933)
Overview: A policy introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to improve relations with Latin American countries by renouncing military intervention and emphasizing cooperation and trade.
Significance: It marked a shift away from earlier, more interventionist policies in Latin America and was a key element of Roosevelt’s efforts to build support in the region during the lead-up to World War II.
