Monroe Doctrine

“I enter on it with zeal from a thorough conviction that there never was a period since the establishment of our Revolution when, regarding the condition of the civilized world and its bearing on us, there was greater necessity for devotion in the public servants to their respective duties, or for virtue, patriotism, and union in our constituents.”

President James Monroe reflects on the development of the US government since the American Revolution of 1776. Having apologized for the lengthy and detailed nature of his speech, he explains the need for such detail by noting that the young country is at a crucial juncture, gaining strength and facing potential threats from the much larger European powers.

“To the people every department of the Government and every individual in each are responsible, and the more full their information the better they can judge of the wisdom of the policy pursued and of the conduct of each in regard to it. From their dispassionate judgment much aid may always be obtained, while their approbation will form the greatest incentive and most gratifying reward for virtuous actions, and the dread of their censure the best security against the abuse of their confidence.”

The President highlights the duties and responsibilities of high-ranking government officials. He suggests that they must practice transparency and focus on accountability to those they represent. One way to do so is to provide detailed information to the public so that they may arrive at their own conclusions about government policies. The President thus perceives the American public as well-informed and intelligent.

“A precise knowledge of our relations with foreign powers as respects our negotiations and transactions with each is thought to be particularly necessary. […] It is by rendering justice to other nations that we may expect it from them. It is by our ability to resent injuries and redress wrongs that we may avoid them.”

This quotation is one of the first foreign-policy statements in Monroe’s 1823 Congressional address. It lays the groundwork for the defensive Monroe Doctrine. The President argues that international relations must be based on mutual respect for each other’s security concerns. He then uses this statement to set up an important feature of the Monroe Doctrine: The US will stay out of European affairs, while the European powers must understand the justification for and respect US primacy in the Americas.