Wednesday, November 28, 2007

monroe doctrine journal - due thursday 11.28

http://www.ushistory.org/documents/monroe.htm

Read the Monroe Doctorine and at least two documents from The Monroe Doctorine section of American Spirit pp. 254-62

Answer question 5 on page 262 in your journal.

In order to complete the extra credit, finish the auditory comprehension notes in the format of your choice (copious, cornell, web, 5 ws) on the War of 1812 and the anniversary of the publication of The Star Spangled Banner by listening to the NPR podcast at:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3912213

1 comment:

Heather Mattera said...

Hey Ms Francis,

I forgot to put this piece in my journal! :\ Here it is...


President Monroe reveals in his Doctrine on December 2nd, 1823 that the United States would not join hands with the British to keep other European powers out of America. Since America is portrayed as quite a successful country, Monroe made the correct decision as the United States would have probably not benefited from siding with Britain in the long run. Having felt that the policy of America should be strictly exercised rather than ignored, Monroe believed America should only defend themselves when their rights are invaded or seriously menaced.

If the United States wanted to continue its ‘neutral’ and ‘friendly’ reputation, the country would have to deal with not siding with anyone. “…we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States” This overly-friendly attitude America was expressing through the Monroe Doctrine illustrated America’s arms wide open, willing to accept any country into their homeland. Although the Doctrine does mention the countries should not interfere with each other’s political policies, this does not mean the countries will listen and obey such rules.

Thus, Jefferson attempted to persuade Monroe into believing that siding with the British would benefit America greatly. “Great Britain is the nation which can do us the most harm of any one, or all on earth. And with her on our side, we need not fear the whole world” In this case, Jefferson who was once anti-British turns pro-British as he believes siding with a powerful country can lead America to more powerful situations. If Monroe was to allow America to join hands with Britain, future wars would have been prevented rather than provoked. Whether America would have been successful with Britain by their side is an un-answered question, as Britain could have easily gained control over America once again as their colony. The joining of two powerful countries can be both dangerous and successful. It would have been a risky chance to side with Britain, thus Monroe did well as President and playing it safe.

-Heather V.