What did the Monroe Doctrine declare?

• A. The United States would join European alliances to counter colonization.
• B. The United States would oppose European colonization in the Americas and steer clear of European affairs.
• C. The United States would expand colonization in the Americas.
• D. The United States would seek immediate military intervention in European conflicts.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the United States’ stance toward European powers in the Western Hemisphere. The Monroe Doctrine declares that Europe should respect the newly independent nations in the Americas and that the United States would stay out of European affairs. It set a clear policy: the Western Hemisphere is off-limits to future European colonization, and the U.S. would not involve itself in European wars or politics. This is why the statement that the United States would oppose European colonization in the Americas and steer clear of European affairs is the best answer. The other options don’t fit because the Doctrine did not call for joining European alliances, did not promote expanding colonization in the Americas, and did not seek immediate military intervention in European conflicts.