[Sidenote:  The Monroe Doctrine, 1822. McMaster, 262-265]

[Sidenote:  Action of Great Britain.  End of European interference in America.]

282.  The Monroe Doctrine, 1823.—­It was under these circumstances that President Monroe sent a message to Congress.  In it he stated the policy of the United States as follows:  (1) America is closed to colonization by any European power; (2) the United States have not interfered and will not interfere in European affairs; (3) the United States regard the extension of the system of the Holy Alliance to America as dangerous to the United States; and (4) the United States would regard the interference of the Holy Alliance in American affairs as an “unfriendly act.”  This part of the message was written by Adams.  He had had a long experience in diplomacy.  He used the words “unfriendly act” as diplomatists use them when they mean that such an “unfriendly act” would be a cause for war.  The British government also informed the Holy Allies that their interference in American affairs would be resented.  The Holy Alliance gave over all idea of crushing the Spanish colonists.  And the Czar of Russia agreed to found no colonies south of fifty-four degrees and forty minutes north latitude.

[Sidenote:  Meaning of the Monroe Doctrine.]

283.  Meaning of the Monroe Doctrine.—­The ideas contained in Monroe’s celebrated message to Congress are always spoken of as the Monroe Doctrine.  Most of these ideas were not invented by Monroe or by Adams.  Many of them may be found in Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation, in Washington’s Farewell Address, in Jefferson’s Inaugural Address, and in other documents.  What was new in Monroe’s message was the statement that European interference in American affairs would be looked upon by the United States as an “unfriendly act,” leading to war.  European kings might crush out liberty in Europe.  They might divide Asia and Africa among themselves.  They must not interfere in American affairs.

CHAPTER 27

NEW PARTIES AND NEW POLICIES, 1824-1829

[Sidenote:  End of Monroe’s administrations.]

284.  End of the Era of Good Feeling.—­The Era of Good Feeling came to a sudden ending in 1824.  Monroe’s second term as President would end in 1825.  He refused to be a candidate for reelection.  In thus following the example set by Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, Monroe confirmed the custom of limiting the presidential term to eight years.  There was no lack of candidates to succeed him in his high office.

[Sidenote:  J.Q.  Adams]

285.  John Quincy Adams.—­First and foremost was John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts.  He was Monroe’s Secretary of State, and this office had been a kind of stepping-stone to the presidency.  Monroe had been Madison’s Secretary of State; Madison had been Jefferson’s Secretary of State; and Jefferson had been Washington’s Secretary of State, although he was Vice-President when he was chosen to the first place.  John Quincy Adams was a statesman of great experience and of ability.  He was a man of the highest honor and intelligence.  He was nominated by the legislatures of Massachusetts and of the other New England states.