Monroe's Decision
The current President James Monroe had to make a decision about what to about the possibility of European powers becoming directly involved in North America. He received advice from many note-worth statesmen of the time.
Thomas Jefferson-Former President (United States)"Our first and fundamental maxum should be to never entangle ourselves with the boils of Europe."
Thomas Jefferson was against European involvement in North America. He advised Presdient Monroe to accept Britain's offer, and issue a joint-declaration. |
John Quincy Adams-Secretary of State (United States)"It would be more candid, as well as more dignified, to avow our principles explicitly to Russia France, then to come in as a cockboat in the wake of a British-man-at-war."
Adams agreed with Britain that it would be important to make a declaration against European involvement. However, he advised Monroe to make this declaration unilateral, or to not include Britain in it. |