Isolationism and the Monroe Doctrine (1865-1890) Flashcards
What is Isolationism?
A foreign policy stance characterised by a desire to avoid involvement in international conflicts and alliances, particularly in Europe.
Isolationism reflects a preference for domestic focus over international engagement.
What is Relative not Absolute Isolationism?
While the United States remained geographically and ideologically detached from European affairs, it was not fully isolated due to territorial expansion and increasing influence in the Western Hemisphere.
This concept highlights the nuanced approach of the U.S. towards foreign policy.
What is a key factor shaping Isolationism related to Anti-Colonialism?
The U.S. had a deep-rooted distrust of European colonial powers, stemming from its own revolutionary history.
Many Americans viewed colonialism as oppressive and contrary to their values of freedom and democracy.
How did Geographical Isolation contribute to Isolationism?
The vast distance between the US and Europe, along with natural barriers like the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offered a sense of security and separation.
This physical distance helped the U.S. avoid direct involvement in wars initially.
What does ‘The Land of the Free’ represent in the context of Isolationism?
America’s founding ideals based on providing sanctuary to those seeking freedom, seeing itself as a model of liberty rather than a participant in other nations’ political struggles.
This self-image reinforced the isolationist stance.
What is a contradictory element of U.S. Isolationism?
Despite isolationist rhetoric, the U.S. pursued expansionist policies in the Western Hemisphere through territorial acquisitions.
Examples include the annexation of Texas, the Mexican-American War, and the acquisition of Alaska.
What is Manifest Destiny?
A belief in the U.S.’s God-given right to expand westward, justifying territorial expansion and extending American influence in the Americas.
This ideology played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
What was the Monroe Doctrine?
A U.S. policy articulated by President James Monroe in December 1823 regarding European colonialism in the Americas
It aimed to deter European intervention in the Western Hemisphere, particularly during the independence movements in Latin America.
In what year was the Monroe Doctrine articulated?
1823
This was during a time when many Latin American nations were gaining independence.
What was the stance of the U.S. on European conflicts according to the Monroe Doctrine?
Non-interference in European affairs
The U.S. adhered to an isolationist stance, avoiding involvement in European conflicts.
What did Monroe declare about European colonization in the Western Hemisphere?
The Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization
Any attempt by Europe to exert political control over nations in the Americas was seen as a threat to U.S. security.
What was the U.S. intention regarding newly independent Latin American nations as per the Monroe Doctrine?
To protect their autonomy from European reassertion of control
This was a reflection of the U.S. desire to maintain influence in the region.
What concept does the Monroe Doctrine exemplify regarding American policy?
American exceptionalism
It asserted that the U.S. had a unique role in the Western Hemisphere.
True or False: The Monroe Doctrine indicated a complete isolationist policy for the U.S. in all matters.
False
While the U.S. was outwardly isolationist in European matters, the Monroe Doctrine signaled a commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests in the Americas.
Fill in the blank: The Monroe Doctrine was a response to the rise of _______ in Latin America.
independence movements
The doctrine aimed to prevent European powers from undermining these newly independent nations.
What did the Monroe Doctrine signal about U.S. interests in the Americas?
A commitment to safeguarding its interests and influence
This was particularly important during a time of increasing European colonial ambitions.
What period does the Monroe Doctrine represent in U.S. foreign policy?
An era of expanding U.S. influence
Despite being characterized as ‘American isolationism,’ it was a time of increasing assertiveness in the Western Hemisphere.
