Monroe Doctrine (1823)
Annual address of the president to the nation delivered on 2nd Dec, 1823
The pillar of US foreign policy in the nineteenth century, lesser relevance in 20th century
It laid the grounds for American expansion in the Western Hemisphere
Provided a framework of reciprocal non-interference in transatlantic relations.
It had an impact on the discussion between internationalism and isolationism.
The relevance of Monroe Doctrine in twentieth-century US diplomacy:
(i) It outlined a regionalist view of world affairs
(ii) It expressed widespread notions of American culture, history, and national identity.
The period of 1817 to 1829
1817-1824: Era of Good Feelings-James Monroe-Peace and security
1825- 1829 Era of Hard feelings-John Quincy Adams-Hardship and difficulties
The Principles of Monroe Doctrine:
Anti-Colonization
Non-Intervention
Self Defense
American Nationalism and Self-Awareness
Main Points in Doctrine
1. American continent cannot be considered as subject for further colonization by
European powers.
2. European political system is different than that of Americans and any attempt to
extend to this system to American hemisphere will be considered dangerous to
our peace and security.
3. America will not interfere in European war and their politics neither we do have
any aim to oppress them.
Use of Monroe Doctrine
Objection to British Alliance in Texas in 1836
1845 Westward expansion during the presidency of James Polie
1863 French empire in Mexico was seriously taken by Americans as violation of
Monroe Doctrine
President Theodore Roosevelt declared American right to intervene in continent
Effects
Mixed effects on Europe.
Spain did not attempt to restore empire in Latin America
Britain continued as a dominant trade power there
Some Latin American nations resented the implications of United States being axis of their well
being
After 1880s and the development of the U.S. Navy the U.S. actually had the military power to
enforce the Monroe Doctrine.
Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
The Age of common man
The Era of Jacksonian Democracy
The age of popular politics
Born to a Scottish family on the border of South and North Carolina on 15th March, 1768.
Son of Saddle maker, groomed in extreme poverty
Became orphan at the age of 14 years
Tasted all the hardships of life during childhood
A brilliant student of Law
Enthusiastic to be a military man
Served the military from 1813 to 1820
Was made Major General after defeating Greeks
Also defeated British in the battle of New Orland.
In 1828 became the president of America defeating John Quincy Adams.
Famous as ―Old Hickory
Features of his Era
1. Rise of Democratic Society
European travelers like Alexis de Tocqueville, French Aristocrat were amazed to see the
informal and democratic attitude of Americans.
The rich and poor use to dress in the same manner
Traveled in the same busses and trains
sat on the same tables in restaurants
The principle of equality among the white men in America was widespread belief
2. Politics of Common Man
In 1830‘s and 1840‘s the politics of America moved out from the fine homes of rich
aristocrats to the lower and middles class society.
These classes were given the right to vote and the number of vote for president increased from
350,000 in 1824 to 2.4millions in 1840.
3. Universal male suffrage
All the white men in America were given the right to vote regardless of their class or
religion.
Voting ratio in America increased from 37% to 57.6%.
The political offices now could also be held by the lower and middle ranks of the society.
4. Party Nomination Convention
In past days, nomination for appointment of a candidate to an office was made by
caucus.
The common peoples had no opportunity to participate.
In 1830‘s the caucuses were replaced by nominating convention.
The politicians and voters would gather in a large hall to nominate the party candidate.
5. Maximum Use of Veto Power
6. Rise of Political Parties
Only two parties by that time, the democrats and the Whigs.
Jackson allowed many other parties
Anti-Masonic and Workingmen Party emerged
The common man got a chance to be involved in politics.
7. More Elected offices
More states and locals officials were elected
This increased the interest of voters to participate in elections.
8. Popular Campaigning
Candidates for offices directed their election campaign and made it interesting
Politics became entertainment
Campaigns of 1830s and 1840s had marching bands and large rallies
Voters were treated with free drinks and food
9. Spoils System
Winning government jobs became lifeblood of political parties. Jackson believed in
appointing peoples to federal post strictly according to whether they have campaigned for
Democratic Party. Jackson believed in system of rotation in office to make maximum
number of democrats to hold office. Spoil system was criticized as it promoted
government corruption.
10. Kitchen Cabinet
Andrew Jackson started the practice of consulting the informal group of advisers mostly
his friends including Major Lewis, Isaac Hill and General Duff.
11. Peggy Eaton Affair
Wellbeing of common women as Jackson's motto along with well being of common men
Peggy Eaton was the wife of Jackson's Secretary of war John Eaton.
She was the target of malicious gossips by the other women who avoided inviting her to their
private parties.
When Jackson insisted to invite Peggy Eaton socially most of his cabinet including Vice
President John Calhoun resigned
12. Indian Removal Act 1830
Jackson concept of democracy not for natives Americans
Natives should leave their tradition and customs and resettle west of Mississippi
In the presidency of eight years Jackson had 94 treaties with the Red Indians
Ultimately used military to drive them out across the Mississippi
"Trails of tears" was so great that 4000 Cherokees died on the tragic westward track
13. Re-chartering of Bank of USA
Jackson thought central bank is abusing its powers and is serving the interest of wealthy people
and depriving state exchequer
His suspicion increases to the arrogant personality of Nicholas Biddle the President of Second
US Bank
Henry Clay opposition member was in support of Bank and challenged Jackson on bank issue by
persuading majority in congress on bank re-charter bill
Jackson vetoed the bill and overhauled the banking system in America.
14. Foreign Policy
A balanced and friendly foreign policy with friendly relations with France, Britain and other
Europeans Countries
Maintaining better trade relations and cordial policies in political, economic and social relations
He settled the claims of France in North America pending since 1815.
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)
& The Civil War & America's Progress
