¶ … Monroe Doctrine was issued in 1823 in response to encroaching European colonization in the Americas and also to provide a foundation for American foreign policy. In many ways the doctrine was designed to ensure that the United States of America would gain access to the as of yet unexplored territories in the Western Hemisphere. Thus, the Monroe Doctrine fueled the mythic concept of Manifest Destiny. The Monroe Doctrine was largely aimed to stabilize both England and Spain's former territories, many of which had recently gained independence. Using quintessential American discourse including references to "freedom" and "liberty," the doctrine demonstrates the evolution of the American national consciousness. Its thesis centers on the concepts of national sovereignty and independence.
Although it was rare for women to become vocal in political affairs before the 20th century, Margaret Bayard Smith wrote a compelling passage about the hotly contested 1823 election. The narrative describes the bitterness inherent in negative campaigning, still extant in American politics today. One of the most compelling aspects of Smith's writing is its description of the American political process as being able to temper a mob mentality with sound, civilized judgment: the true democratic process.
Similarly, George Caleb Bingham depicts visually how American political campaigns shifted their focus from appealing mainly to an elite body of male voters toward pandering to the public. Bingham portrays a group of voters clamoring to be heard, marking changes in the ways American citizens viewed their role in the political process.
Using lofty language, Daniel Webster writes a Second Reply to Robert Y. Hayne regarding the debate over states' rights vs. federal authority. The debate continues until this day, and has always been a unique feature of American politics. In fact, the Webster passage foreshadows the arguments that preceded the Civil War over whether states had the right to perpetuate the institution of slavery or whether the federal government had the ethical obligation to override state sovereignty. Webster's argument is clear and focused, urging a cohesive union united under common goals.
