It's no secret that independence is celebrated in the United States. Any country with an "Independence Day" and a former appetite for "freedom fries" probably puts it pretty high on their favorites list.

In the Monroe Doctrine, the president is very insistent on maintaining the independence of not just the U.S., but also the former colonies to the south. Their independence is tied to the United States', and a threat to one becomes a threat to the other. Monroe states this most obviously when he says:

But with the Governments who have declared their independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have […] acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States. (16)

Colonies still under European rule aren't his concern. It is all about the ones who have followed the United States' lead and fought for their freedom. Of course, it's not really as callous as that— there are some very good reasons Monroe promises to leave them alone (for example, having a very weak army).

The independence of the United States itself is also vital and apparently under threat. Monroe insists:

It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. (10)

The implication is that this speech is only happening because the "rights" of the U.S. are being threatened.

When describing the (independent) American system in contrast to the European colonial one, he says it "has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity" (13). Ah, the unexampled felicity of republicanism, and the sweet, sweet smell of independence. There's nothing quite like it. It has that new car smell.

The purpose of the Monroe Doctrine is to make an admittedly symbolic stand against Old World monarchies taking over fresh new independent republics in the New World. Maintaining the independence not just of itself, but of its peers, is a high priority to the United States, and the ideal of independence is a presence throughout the Monroe Doctrine.