intervention plan

In his 1801 inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson called for “peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.” He set the tone for non intervention during his administration, which was also later adopted by James Monroe in 1823. Part of the Monroe Doctrine read, “In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken part, nor does it comport with our policy, so to do. It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced that we resent injuries, or make preparations for our defense.” However, over the next century, America would be put to the test and past policies of non intervention quickly turned into military intervention after military intervention, as Americans strove to assert their dominance and values around the globe.