Friday, November 4, 2011
Monroe
The Monroe Doctrine was created in attempt to end the influence of European Powers in the Western Hemisphere by stating that if they were to get involved in any way shape or form in American countries affairs, that would be seen as a direct attack on the United States and it would mean war. The Monroe Doctrine is not law, however many believed it to be true. If Europe did end up helping the South in the Civil War, would Lincoln see that as a violation of the Monroe Doctrine or is there no sign of his support of this document in history?
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I have no doubt that Lincoln, having grown up in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, was a huge fan of Billy Monroe's groundbreaking and unique mandolin style.
ReplyDeleteAll joking aside, Lincoln had good reason to fear France or Britain supporting the south, not based on any doctrine in particular, but on the practicalities of winning the war.
I wonder if any president during this time would have pursued conflict with England or France. It would have been a grave error simply from a military standpoint, but there have been nations foolish enough to wage two front wars and overextend the capacity of their armies (Napoleon and Hitler would both learn the devastating effects of invading Russia during winter).
ReplyDeleteIn response to Corey, it may seem to be a grave error from a military stand point, but when the Doctrine was created, the United States was in an even worse situation to wage a war against a European Power. However, for the most part it worked. The Monroe Doctrine was created in response to the European influence in Latin America. They US saw it as their job to defend this hemisphere from further colonization (in some cases that meant direct interference in Latin American countries by the US). Now this doctrine is not law, however, most of Europe followed it as such. At a time when the US was not as powerful as they are viewed today, this was very brave move, and for some reason it somewhat was successful.
ReplyDeleteSeward actually recommended starting a war with a european power, as a way to unify the U.S. and forestall the civil war. Had he been president, he might well have tried it.
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