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The Monroe Doctrine was meant to dissuade the Spanish from attempting to recapture any of their former colonies in South America. It stated: "The American continents are henceforth not to be considered the subjects for future colonization by any European powers." |
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1824 Panama Congresss
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President Adams announced in his inaugural address that new free republics of South America had invited the United States to send a representative to a meeting of a Congress for consultations and action as to objects of common interests.
Adams announced that he had accepted the invitation, on the stipulation that the delegates would not do anything that will violate the neutrality of the United States. Adams then sent a message to the Congress that he had accepted the invitation, and he thought that this was within the competency of the executive to do. Adams however, requested the Congress opinion as well the confirmation of the commissioners.
Bolivar who had called the conference had hoped to create a league of nation of the Americas. Why there was opposition to Adams request is not to this day clear. The only reasonable explanation was the belief of Jackson supporters who were angry at his defeat, as well as the fear of some southerners that the issue of slavery may come up.
After a long debate the Senate and the House approved the commissioners. One of the two commissioners died before he could go, and the second did not make it on time. |
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