After the overthrow of the empire of the first Napoleon, France, Russia, Prussia and Austria formed an alliance for preserving the balance of power and suppressing revolutions within each other's dominions. The Spanish colonies in America having revolted, it was rumoured that this alliance contemplated their reduction, although the United States recognized their independence. George Canning, the English Secretary of State, proposed that the United States join England in the prevention. of such suppression.
After consulting with Jefferson, Madison, John Quincy Adams and Calhoun, President James Monroe embodied in his annual message to Congress in 1823 a clause which has since become celebrated as the 'Monroe Doctrine'. Referring to the proposed intervention of the allied powers the message stated that America 'should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety'; and again, 'that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers'. The doctrine thus set forth has been maintained by the United States on many subsequent occasions, notably in matters relating to the Isthmus of Panama and in the case of the French intervention in Mexico under Maximilian. Research Monroe Doctrine
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Research Monroe Doctrine