On this day in history, December 2, 1823, President Monroe touts doctrine defending Western Hemisphere

The Monroe Doctrine, a muscular defense of national interests reflecting the burgeoning strength of the young United States, was espoused by President James Monroe on this day in history, Dec. 2, 1823.

The powerful policy statement warned ever-warring European colonial powers against bringing their Old World conflicts to the Western Hemisphere. 

"We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should...