America's Relationship with Canada, Mexico, & Latin America

Essential Question

What was the U.S.’s relationship with Canada and Mexico?

What were the main points of the Monroe Doctrine and what were its effects?

U.S.'s Relationship with Canada, Mexico, & Latin America

Canada

Canada was a British colony and the United States neighbor to the north. The United States and Canada had a few disagreements about the exact location of their border. Tensions were very high when the U.S. invaded Canada during the War of 1812, but it slowly improved after the war. Between 1818 to 1846 Canada and the U.S. resolved their border disputes and established excellent relations that continue to this day.

Mexico

Spain's control of Latin America was weakening and Mexicans, inspired by the success of the American and French Revolution, started to rebel against Spanish rule. In 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo organized an army of Native Americans and freed many Mexican provinces. However, in 1811 he was captured and killed by Spanish loyalists. In 1820 another revolution erupted and in 1821 Mexico was granted its independence from Spain. At first, Mexico was a monarchy ruled by a king but them in 1823 the emperor was overthrown. Mexico created a new constitution modeled after the United States. Soon after the United States recognized the independence of Mexico.

Latin America

Latin America was also inspired by the success of the American and French Revolution started to rebel against Spanish rule. Simon Bolivar "the Liberator" lead an army in 1819 and freed modern-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. In 1821 the people of Central America rebelled and won their freedom. This was modern day Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. In 1822 Brazil declared independence from Portugal. By 1825 most of Latin America was free of European rule.

Activity 1: How would you classify the U.S.'s relationship with Canada, Mexico, and Latin America?

Using the information from this lesson, answer the questions in a thinking map. Complete this assignment digitally or on paper. It will be collected in your portfolio.

Monroe Doctrine

When European countries were thinking about fighting to regain colonies in Latin America, some citizens of the United States thought this was a danger to the U.S. and its trade with Latin America. In 1823 President James Monroe and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams stated the Monroe Doctrine to Congress. The Monroe doctrine set the tone for America's foreign policy in Latin America and Europe for years to come. In 1930, President Theodore Roosevelt issued his Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.

Activity 2: Primary Source-The Monroe Doctrine

Define the vocabulary words, read the primary source excerpts, and answer the text-dependent questions.

Primary Source-The Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine had four basic points.

The United States would not interfere in the affairs of European nations.
The United States would recognize, and not interfere with, colonies that already existed in North and South America.
The Western Hemisphere was to be off-limits to future colonization by any foreign power;
The U.S. would consider any European power's attempt to colonize or interfere with any nation in the Western Hemisphere to be a hostile act.

Discussion Questions

Why was the Monroe Doctrine created?
What was the main idea of the Monroe Doctrine?
How would the U.S. enforce the Monroe Doctrine?
Look at the picture of the political cartoon in the NEWSELA article. How does this cartoon show the Monroe Doctrine?

Activity 3: What were the causes and effects of the Monroe Doctrine?

Using the information from this lesson, answer the questions in a thinking map. Complete this assignment digitally or on paper. It will be collected in your portfolio.

Extension Activity

Primary Sources: Roosevelt's Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine

The Roosevelt Corollary and Latin America

Presidential Profile: James Monroe

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