How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government […]instructions have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St. Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent […] A similar proposal has been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain […] The Government of the United States has been desirous by this friendly proceeding of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government. (1-3)
The first major point of the Monroe Doctrine (no more colonization) is the culmination of this discussion about recent negotiations with European countries about North American territory. These types of political dealings helped lead to the policies of the Monroe Doctrine; they gave Americans something tangible to hold up as an example of both American strength but also potential vulnerability. Oh, what a tangled web the Pacific Northwest weaves.
Quote #2
In the wars of the European powers in matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. (9)
Non-entanglement with Europe wasn't just happenstance, it was a deliberate "policy." Does that fact change the effect of the main points of the Monroe Doctrine? How?
Quote #3
The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective Governments… (12-13)
Republicanism replacing monarchy is a big deal for the Americas—it's kind of their forte. The balance of power and the potential spread of a different political system was a concern for both sides. For some weird reason, different types of governments often don't get along.
Tomato, to-mah-to, right? Apparently not.
Here, Monroe implies that expansionist concerns are different depending on which system you have. What would each side be worried about, if the other system spread further? What was at stake?
Quote #4
In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the United States indispensable to their security. (17)
Monroe's consistent in his message that the U.S. has had a definite stance with regards to Europe, even staying away from getting mixed up in the recent civil war to bring liberal reforms to Spain. That is right up America's alley, but nope: they stayed out of it. Monroe seems to be trying to support his larger arguments by reminding everyone that the U.S. has earned the right to have power through its good political behavior.
Quote #5
Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us…(21)
Europe had been through decades of power struggles at this point, from the French Revolution through the Napoleonic wars and so on. It can get super-messy for people trying to maintain alliances as rulers get appointed, deposed, beheaded, etc. Instead of throwing in its admittedly small political clout with anyone, the U.S. just played nice with everyone. How does this support the declarations of the Monroe Doctrine?