American Foreign Policy: Louisiana Purchase
The United States has involved itself in multiple foreign policy affairs before. However, none of the foreign policies the United States involved itself in went free of opposing opinions on how to approach the situation. This recurring opposition of different opinions can be seen in both the Louisiana Purchase and the Monroe Doctrine. Both situations impacted the US and it’s people in multiple ways, including causing split opinions and judgements on how to handle the circumstances at hand.
The Louisiana Purchase was the acquiring of the Louisiana territory by the US through a large transaction between France and the US. This purchase required an extremely large sum of money, amounting to 15 million US dollars, which would be paid by Congress. News of this purchase arose much controversy within the country, splitting the country with conflicting opinions. Some argued in favor of this purchase due to the possibility of increasing the size and power of the US rather easily through this purchase of an extremely large piece of land. However, many, mostly the Federalist parties, argued that President Thomas Jefferson was overstepping his boundaries as president, set by the Constitution, by making this purchase. The purchase ended up going through when Congress looked over this situation. This purchase drastically increased the size of the US at a rather cheap price. By going through with the Louisiana Purchase, the US was able to greatly increase its power and resources. This purchase also eventually led to the desire to settle westward in the form of Manifest Destiny. Hence, foreign policies such as the Louisiana Purchase were extremely controversial and impacted the nation greatly.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, later on, President James Monroe established The Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine stated that the western hemisphere, consisting of North and South America, were no longer open to colonization by foreign nations. This doctrine was supported by people who wished to comply with the initial encouraged isolationist stance of the US issued through Washington’s Farewell Address. The Monroe Doctrine would prevent conflict and protect the US by not getting involved with foreign affairs. However, some opposed the doctrine in favor of imperialism ideals. Some wished to acquire more materials and land for the US and the doctrine would be directly opposing and blocking any instance of that. In the end, the Monroe Doctrine went through and the US would no longer have to be intervened by European powers and likewise the US would no longer be able to intervene with European affairs. The doctrine benefited the US in the long run by protecting themselves and the entirety of America from outside intervention and colonization.
In conclusion, the Monroe Doctrine represents the conflict between different opposing opinions on a foreign policy that largely impacted America.
The Louisiana Purchase and the Monroe Doctrine both were foreign policy acts that greatly affected and impacted America as a whole. Although both turned out positive for America, there were many arguments and controversies over both of these policies due to differing opinions and ideals. Hence, foreign policies were largely debated over and showcased the varying different opinions and desires for the US.
