Monroe Doctrine

Only 40 years after the US gained its independence, the Monroe Doctrine fearlessly marked all of North and South America as a territory independent from Europe. According to Monroe, the US would no longer tolerate future European colonization or intervention in newly independent countries of the Americas, promising to retaliate if pushed.  

Interestingly, this message wasn’t found in a statement to other countries, but buried deep in a State of the Union speech that President James Monroe made to the US Congress. 

“The American continents … are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.  We … should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety.” 

In class activities:

• Reviewed US path to independence
• Discussed the similarities between animals marking their territory, and the Monroe Doctrine
• Made handprint dogs
• Discussed our own ideas of territory and defense

Optional lesson extension activities:

• Monroe information and coloring pages - usa-printables
• Listen to the entirety of the Monroe Doctrine - librivox

In preparation for next week's class:

• read timeline cards #2-3