What was the main message of the Monroe Doctrine?

The main message of the Monroe Doctrine was a warning against European interference in the Americas. Declared by President James Monroe in 1823, the doctrine asserted that any further attempts by European nations to colonize or interfere in the affairs of countries in North or South America would be seen as acts of aggression against the United States. This represented a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, asserting a form of protective stance over the Western Hemisphere.

The context of this doctrine was rooted in the desire to ensure that the newly independent nations of Latin America were not re-colonized by European powers, particularly Spain. It laid the groundwork for an American sphere of influence in the region and indicated that the United States would view any foreign intervention as a threat. This doctrine has had lasting implications in international relations and U.S. foreign policy, marking a clear boundary for European actions in the Americas.

Other options such as encouragement of European colonization or support for immigration do not align with the key message of the Monroe Doctrine. The same goes for the promotion of trade with European nations, which was not the focus; instead, it was about maintaining independence and sovereignty for nations in the Americas.