The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.48
On View
Not on viewThe 1823 medal: Monroe Doctrine Sets Foreign Policy
The Monroe Doctrine is one of the cornerstones of American foreign policy. It was the immediate result of Russian encroachment on the northern Pacific coast and the possible intervention of European countries to return the recently revolted Latin-American colonies to Spain. Although President Monroe was responsible for it and gave it as a part of his message to Congress so the whole world might take note, rather than having it buried in diplomatic correspondence, it is essentially a summation of ideas already widely held. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were against interference in European affairs "in matters relating to themselves" and the words of John Quiny Adams, the Secretary of State in Monroe's cabinet, relating to non-colonization, were almost the exact language of his negotiations with Russia. On the medal Monroe and Adams are shown discussing the proposed message.
Spanish rule in the Americas had been effectively overthrown by 1822. Neither Great Britian or the Untied States wished to see her sovereignty restored as it would have also restored Spain's trade monopoly. Commercially, the gain was primarily Great Britian's, which caused her to side against the other European nations in the Quadruple Alliance. The British navy thus thwarted Spanish aims and accomplished what the United States and the Monroe Doctrine was not powerful enough to do until years later. But the United States was opposed to British colonization, too, having a natural sympathy against overseas despots in light of her own experience.
