The Monroe Doctrine

In 18 22, president monroe formally recognized chile, argentina, peru, columbia and mexico as independent nations. A year and a half later he addressed congress in december of 18 23 and declared what has known to history as the monroe doctrine. Monroe went on to say, with the existing colonies or dependencies of any european power, we have not interfered, and shall not interfere. The only thing that could enforce america's grandiose declaration was the british navy. But luckily they were seriously interested in shielding their own access to south American ports.