James Monroe was the president of the United States when the Monroe Doctrine was first stated in his annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.

The main purpose of the Monroe Doctrine was to prevent European powers from colonizing the Americas. Monroe believed that the United States had a responsibility to protect the independence of the newly independent Latin American countries.

European powers were skeptical of the Monroe Doctrine and did not believe that the United States could enforce it. They continued to colonize the Americas and intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries.

The Monroe Doctrine helped to promote the independence and stability of Latin American countries by preventing European powers from intervening in their affairs. This allowed Latin American countries to develop their own governments and economies without the interference of foreign powers.

The Monroe Doctrine is considered to be a cornerstone of American foreign policy. It continues to be invoked by the United States to justify its intervention in the affairs of Latin American countries.