The U.S. Left Europe Alone, Now Europe Should Mind Its Own Beeswax
- Back then, Spain had recently tried some reforms to make life more pleasant for its subjects.
- Some context, in case you haven't studied early 19th-century colonial Spanish history: Ferdinand VII was restored to the crown after the Napoleonic Wars, but by then the colonies were already fighting for independence.
- Soon the revolt spread to Spain, and the king had to adopt a new constitution giving his colonial subjects more rights. (Source)
- And now, on with the show...
- Their efforts had unanticipated consequences (like more independence movements and a civil war). The U.S. has been watching closely,
- The United States has stayed out of Europe's business so far, unless something interfered with America specifically. Like kidnapping, um, sailors. (Source)
- The U.S. is literally so much closer to these former colonies than Europe is.
- The U.S wants to be friends with Europe, and friends are honest with each other, so the U.S. is just letting Europe know that any new colonies will be seen as a major threat.
- Now, who wants a hug?
- Don't worry; the U.S. won't mess with any colonies that are still there.
- But seriously, don't try and establish any new colonies, okay?