What was the Monroe Doctrine's stance on Latin American independence?

The Monroe Doctrine supported Latin American independence and opposed European intervention in the Americas.

The Monroe Doctrine, established by U.S. President James Monroe in 1823, was a pivotal moment in the foreign policy of the United States. It was a clear statement of the country's stance towards Latin American independence, asserting that the U.S. would not tolerate European powers interfering in the affairs of newly independent Latin American states. The Doctrine was a response to the perceived threat of European colonial powers, particularly Spain and Portugal, attempting to reassert control over their former colonies.

The Doctrine was articulated in Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress. It stated that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they had assumed and maintained, were henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonisation by any European powers. This was a clear endorsement of the independence movements that had swept across Latin America in the early 19th century, leading to the establishment of a number of new republics.

The Monroe Doctrine also asserted the U.S.'s role as a protector of these new republics. It declared that the U.S. would consider any attempt by European powers to impose their system on any independent state in the Western Hemisphere as a hostile act against the U.S. This was a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, positioning the country as a defender of republicanism and independence in the Americas.

However, it's important to note that the Doctrine was not immediately effective in deterring European intervention. The U.S. lacked the military power to enforce its declarations, and European powers continued to intervene in Latin America for several decades. Nevertheless, the Doctrine established a principle that would shape U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America for the next century and beyond. It asserted the U.S.'s support for Latin American independence and its opposition to European colonialism, setting the stage for the U.S.'s increasing involvement in the region.