15. The excerpt describes the federal government policy established by which landmark executive action?
Answer: C
Monroe Doctrine of 1823
The excerpt outlines the principles established by the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted that the American continents should no longer be colonized by European powers. This landmark policy was a significant declaration of U.S. foreign relations and aimed to protect the sovereignty of nations in the Americas.
A) Louisiana Purchase Treaty of 1803
The Louisiana Purchase Treaty was a significant land acquisition for the United States, doubling its size, but it did not address the issue of European colonization in the Americas. Therefore, it does not align with the principles articulated in the excerpt.
B) Adams-Onis Treaty of 1821
The Adams-Onis Treaty involved the acquisition of Florida and defined the boundaries between the United States and New Spain. While it was important for U.S. territorial expansion, it did not establish a policy regarding European colonization of the American continents, making it incorrect in this context.
C) Monroe Doctrine of 1823
The Monroe Doctrine explicitly stated that the Americas were no longer open to European colonization, aligning perfectly with the principles described in the excerpt. This doctrine was a foundational element of U.S. foreign policy, marking a clear stance against European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.
D) Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo of 1848
The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and resulted in significant territorial gains for the United States. However, it did not address the broader policy of preventing European colonization in the Americas, which is the focus of the excerpt.
Conclusion
The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 is definitively the correct answer as it directly corresponds to the assertion made in the excerpt regarding European powers and colonization in the Americas. All other options relate to territorial issues or treaties that do not encapsulate the principle of preventing future colonization, underscoring the unique significance of the Monroe Doctrine in American foreign policy.