The first worry of the US had to do with Russia. They were laying claims to the Oregon Territory and cutting off American trade with Asia. This could cause violence if Russia began to colonize too close to American citizens. This could also impact the American economy if the Russians continue to cut off Asian trade. In order to bring an end to this, Monroe offers to have diplomatic negotiations with Russia so they can figure the Oregon Territory situation out. The Doctrine says, “ . . . At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent.”
America's second worry has to do with Latin America. The Holy Alliance gathers to discuss whether or not they will help Spain retake their liberated colonies in Latin America. If they do so, US would lose ideal trade with the countries in Latin America and, the European powers would have regained a strong foothold in the New World. Monroe states that he won't help current colonies revolt. However, Latin America deserves its freed and if Europe tries to take their freedom away, America will intervene. “We owe it, therefore, … to the…relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that 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. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere."
The third and final worry of the United States comes up when Britain asks them to form an alliance against the Holy Alliance helping Spain regain its colonies in Latin America and against Russia's claim to Oregon. Monroe doesn't want to get unnecessarily caught up in European affairs or be used by Britain when they are in need or want something. Therefore, he says that no alliances will be formed between the US and any European countries. They want to maintain friendly relations with all of the countries and not get caught up in European issues. “Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every power, submitting to injuries from none.”
Russia was incredibly surprised and unhappy with America's reaction to the goings on in Europe. They are unhappy that America would even think to turn Russia out of the Oregon Territory. America is a new country that lacks power and authority in the world yet.
They were surprised that America would even consider being on the same side as and agreeing with Britain. They had just recently gotten out of a Revolutionary War. This also made Russia slightly concerned. The US was a new country and did not have a powerful army. However, if the Holy Alliance tried to regain the Latin American countries, Britain would be there to support the US in their intervention. Britain had one of the most powerful Navy's in the world and would be sure to cause a problem for the Holy Alliance.
The picture above represents how Russia reacted to the Monroe Doctrine. They were both unhappy and surprised with America's requests and "threats."
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