Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What did the Monroe Doctrine primarily warn European nations against?

1. Interference in American slave laws

2. Colonization of new lands in Africa

3. Interference in the Western Hemisphere

4. Trade agreements with Asian countries

The correct answer is: Interference in the Western Hemisphere

The Monroe Doctrine primarily warned European nations against interference in the Western Hemisphere, asserting that any attempts to colonize or interfere with countries in North and South America would be viewed as acts of aggression. This doctrine was articulated by President James Monroe in 1823 and was rooted in the context of rising nationalism in the Americas following the independence movements against European colonial powers. It was also a response to concerns about European nations potentially re-establishing control over newly independent countries in Latin America. By clearly stating that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonialism, Monroe aimed to protect these nations' sovereignty and promote a sense of solidarity among the republics in the Americas. Thus, this doctrine laid the foundation for future U.S. foreign policy in the region, highlighting the importance of non-interference from European powers in American affairs.