Expert: Joseph Logue - 11/1/2006

Question
I was hoping you could help me with European (just British history will be helpful) Historical events/activity that support or contradict the Monroe Doctrine.
Was there a real response to the Monroe Doctrine?
How did Britain respond, if at all?
Did Britain follow the Monroe Doctrine, or can you think of events such as invasions or wars that contradicted the Monroe Doctrine?
Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Brook,

The only real response I see was the contest between the British and Americans concerning the Northwest borders of the US.  This gave rise to the popular cry of "54-40" or fight!"  This was the boundary between the US and Canada (then under British rule) that America insisted upon.  Other than that, it appears that Europeans kept the small island nations of the Caribbean within their jurisdiction and some of the South American countries, but made no further attempts to enter the Western Hemisphere for imperialist gain.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue