* WARNING: MAY BE A SERIOUS BORE-FEST FOR MOST OF YOU, BUT HERE IS THE PAPER THAT I WROTE FOR MY AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY CLASS.*                                                Monroe DoctrineDecember 2, 1823, was a defining moment in the foreign policy of America. The Monroe Doctrine, which was stated during President James Monroe’s 7th State of the Union Address to congress, outlined and explicitly stated that European colonization or interference with the affairs of the newly independent United States, would no longer occur. Any attempt by the Europeans to "meddle" or exert political influence into America would be seen as "dangerous to peace and security." This also seemingly went vice versa, as the United States wanted to remain neutral in the wars that afflicted the European powers and their colonies. Fresh off the heels of many Latin American countries obtaining independence from Spain and Portugal, the monarchies of Prussia, Russia, and Austria had grown increasingly concerned with revolution since that of the French in 1789. In 1815, they formed the Holy Alliance, and resolved to assist Spain in the re-acquisition of its colonies. Like the United States, Great Britain was opposed to the restoration of the colonies, as this would disrupt the economic interests in Latin America. Though it was seemingly unnecessary for the United States to act, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams wanted to take bold action Stating:It would be more candid and more dignified, to avow four principles explicitly to Russia and France, than to come in as a cock-boat in the wake of the British man-of-war."The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, extended / amended the doctrine to allow for American intervention into Caribbean and Central American nations, if they could not pay their international debts. This was due largely to the fact that Germany, Great Britain, and Italy blockaded Venezuela’s ports, when the government defaulted on payments to foreign bondholders. With the presence of these countries, the United State was concerned about the loss of dominance in the region. In my opinion, the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine seems entirely antithetical. The interpreted intent of the Doctrine was to cease European intervention, yet the Roosevelt Corollary authorized America to do exactly what the U.S. deemed unacceptable by the British.                                                 War of 1812Known as the "forgotten war," the war of 1812, was fought between the United States, United Kingdom and its colonies..especially upper Canada (Ontario), lower Canada ( Quebec), Novia Scotia, Bermuda, and Newfoundland. This war not only solidified once and for all American Independence, but it ended much like it began; in a deadlock. The initial reasons for the declaration of war appeared to be: Outrage at the conscription of U.S. sailors into the British navy, frustration at the British restraints on neutral trade, as well as the supposed support of American Indians by the British, in stopping American encroachment. It is interesting to note, that June 18, 1812, marked the official declaration of war, and just one week later, on June 23, the British revoked their restriction on American commerce, which was one of the key reasons for going to war. It is my opinion, that concessions were so easily given, because at the time Britain was embroiled in the Napoleonic wars in Europe.With the "war hawks" in congress, the passionate war rhetoric quickly garnered support ( as many of the war hawks held key positions), and a government campaign ensued. The war of 1812, lacked an important factor. Domestic support. New England blatantly withheld military and fiscal support from the war effort. This was a serious blow . The threats of New England secession prompted Britain to blockade the southern ports, and encouraged smuggling.The botched invasion of Canada, threatened America greatly. It was thought that since many Americans migrated to Upper Canada, that it could be easily overrun, because the Americans would undoubtedly side with the United States. This proved false.Former President Jefferson referred to the conquest of Canada, as " a matter of marching." Madison assumed that Canada could be overtaken, and then negotiations would follow. Although the United States enjoyed early successes at sea, they were quickly made irrelevant, with the British being greatly equipped for maritime battle. In retaliation for the American invasion of York ( upper Canada) the British burned Washington.America fared better at the "bargaining table" than in actual battle. The Treaty of Ghent, called for a cessation of hostilities, and each side agreed to pull out of enemy territory, not to carry off enemy property, and return prisoners of war, and utilize "best efforts" to abolish slavery.                                                                                               Haitian Independence 1803The Haitian revolution was the most successful of the many African slave rebellions. This established Haiti as a free, black republic, which was the first of its kind. Once a colony of France known as Saint-Domingue, Haiti’s road to independence was wrought with deception, as well as harsh consequences. Even though Haiti was the first black republic, and exercising self-governance, years of French rule and influence still plagued Haiti. Much like the caste system used under French rule, the light complected elite took control of political and economic power.Toussaint L’ouverture, a self educated former domestic slave lead the Haitians to victory. The situation became complex, as Toussaint did not wish to cede power to France. In 1801, he issued a constitution for Saint-Domingue, providing for autonomy, and installing himself as governor for life. Napoleon Bonaparte immediately dispatched an expeditionary force of French soldiers, and mulatto defectors, led by his brother in law. Toussaint was promised his freedom if he integrated his remaining troops into the French army. Toussaint complied, but was deceived, and shipped to France where he died whilst imprisoned at Fort-De-Joux.As it became painstakingly obvious that the French had every intention to re-establish slavery, Alexander petion, and Jean Jacques Dessaline ( two defectors) inevitably switched sides once again. Subsequently weakened by the British blockade, and Napoleon’s growing dis-interest in his western hemisphere endeavors, he neglected to send re-enforcement. On November 18, 1803, the battle of Vertieres occured. The French were defeated, and Dessalines declared independence, and renamed Saint-Domingue Haiti, after an indigenous Arawak name.Though the Haitians basked in their new independence, the consequences were soon felt. Crippled by years of slavery, and French rule, most of the population was severely under-educated, and unskilled. the long wars, left their agricultural livelihood in shambles, and there was no tangible form of commerce. * THIS IS JUST A SNIPPET, I DIDN'T WANT TO POST THE WHOLE THING...YOU'D BE READING FOR DAYS: COMMENTS ON MY WORK WOULD BE APPRECIATED!!!