Latin America
In 1822, the American continent was threatened with the possibilty of an invasion from European powers.
In 1815, the Napoleonic wars ended, and the Spanish Colonial Empire began to break up. Between 1815 and 1822, mostLatin American colonies gained their independence from Spain. Spain still had colonies in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and Cuba. However, a mere year later Spain wanted to regain it's old Latin American empire. Spain enlisted the help of France, as well as the Holy Alliance (Russia, Prussia, and Austria). At this time, the Russians were settling in Alaska, and looking towards the South. The American continent was incredibly threatened by Europeans.
In 1815, the Napoleonic wars ended, and the Spanish Colonial Empire began to break up. Between 1815 and 1822, mostLatin American colonies gained their independence from Spain. Spain still had colonies in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and Cuba. However, a mere year later Spain wanted to regain it's old Latin American empire. Spain enlisted the help of France, as well as the Holy Alliance (Russia, Prussia, and Austria). At this time, the Russians were settling in Alaska, and looking towards the South. The American continent was incredibly threatened by Europeans.
American and British Reaction
Both Britain and America were not happy about European powers reclaiming land in North America. Britain contacted America to try to get America to stand with them in opposition. Both countries had their reasons for opposition:
POLITICAL. Britain- Britain had a fierce rivalry with France, and had spent when the past century trying to get France out of the New World. If France became a power in the New World, many of Britain's political goals would be set back.
United States- The United States feared European powers would re-assert colonialism on the Latin Americans who had just overthrown colonial rule.
ECONOMIC. Britain- Latin America contituted a large market for British goods. If France or Spain regained control, Britain would loose this market.
United States- The United States wanted to expand economically to Latin America, and European mercantilism poised a large threat to their expansion.
GEOGRAPHIC. United States- Latin America was extremely close by to America. Having powerful European nations at their doorstep could be a problem.
POLITICAL. Britain- Britain had a fierce rivalry with France, and had spent when the past century trying to get France out of the New World. If France became a power in the New World, many of Britain's political goals would be set back.
United States- The United States feared European powers would re-assert colonialism on the Latin Americans who had just overthrown colonial rule.
ECONOMIC. Britain- Latin America contituted a large market for British goods. If France or Spain regained control, Britain would loose this market.
United States- The United States wanted to expand economically to Latin America, and European mercantilism poised a large threat to their expansion.
GEOGRAPHIC. United States- Latin America was extremely close by to America. Having powerful European nations at their doorstep could be a problem.