Five years prior to the introduction of what became known as the "Monroe Doctrine", President James Monroe continued a policy of neutrality towards the South American Colonies. In 1818, President Monroe did not officially recognize the independence of the Colonies, fearing that to do so might risk war with Spain and it's allies. In his 1818 State of the Union Address, Monroe explained his precarious policy of neutrality and amicability towards the Colonies. Madison began by describing the situation as a civil war.
"The civil war which has so long prevailed between Spain and the Provinces in South America still continues, without any prospect of its speedy termination. The information respecting the condition of those countries which has been collected by the commissioners recently returned from thence will be laid before Congress in copies of their reports, with such other information as has been received from other agents of the United States.Monroe's policy was in part based on the 1great fear, that these civil wars could develop into a greater war involving the allied powers of Europe, and even the United States. After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, France began high-level diplomatic meetings with the four allied powers of Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia to terminate the great wars, close out all claims, and accept France as an equal and full member of the allied powers. These meetings which began in 1817 and met officially in 1818 were known as the Congress of Aix-la-Chapelle. The meetings covered a variety of topics, including a proposal that the allied powers mediate in the "dispute" between Spain and her colonies, but was defeated by the opposition of Great Britain with help from the United States and President James Monroe.
It appears from these communications that the Government at Buenos Ayres declared itself independent in 1816 July, having previously exercised the power of an independent Government, though in the name of the King of Spain, from the year 1810; that the Banda Oriental, Entre Rios, and Paraguay, with the city of Santa Fee, all of which are also independent, are unconnected with the present Government of Buenos Ayres; that Chili has declared itself independent and is closely connected with Buenos Ayres; that Venezuela has also declared itself independent, and now maintains the conflict with various success; and that the remaining parts of South America, except Monte Video and such other portions of the eastern bank of the La Plata as are held by Portugal, are still in the possession of Spain or in a certain degree under her influence."
The fear that the allied powers of Europe would intervene began in 1817, when a Spanish minister circulated a note that the allied powers had agreed to discuss how best to mediate the "dispute" between Spain and her colonies. The extent of their involvement was to be discussed at the Congress of Aix la Chapelle, but Great Britain who had strong commercial ties with the colonies and held different political views than the other members of the allied powers opposed it. Any such interference, especially that which might lead to war was of great importance to the United States. In his 1818 State of the Union, President Monroe shared that "From the general policy and course of proceeding observed by the allied powers" it could be inferred that the allied powers would restrict their interposition to nothing but the "expression of their sentiment". There would be no application of forces. Monroe repeated himself, "force will not be applied". He stated this with "greater satisfaction" because it meant that any war in South America would be of short duration and limited to that between Spain and the colonies only.
"By a circular note addressed by the ministers of Spain to the allied powers, with whom they are respectively accredited, it appears that the allies have undertaken to mediate between Spain and the South American Provinces, and that the manner and extent of their interposition would be settled by a congress which was to have met at Aix-la-Chapelle in September last. From the general policy and course of proceeding observed by the allied powers in regard to this contest it is inferred that they will confine their interposition to the expression of their sentiments, abstaining from the application of force. I state this impression that force will not be applied with the greater satisfaction because it is a course more consistent with justice and likewise authorizes a hope that the calamities of the war will be confined to the parties only, and will be of shorter duration."This was very good news for the United States, who were in a difficult position of encouraging the independence of the South American Colonies while wishing to remain neutral in the "Civil Wars". President Monroe concluded the section from his State of the Union message regarding relations with Spain by suggesting that the United States had chosen the right policy, and had "good cause to be satisfied".
"From the view taken of this subject, founded on all the information that we have been able to obtain, there is good cause to be satisfied with the course heretofore pursued by the United States in regard to this contest, and to conclude that it is proper to adhere to it, especially in the present state of affairs."In an March 1819, letter, entitled 'Sketch of Instructions for Agent For South America - Notes For Department of State', President Monroe described the policy of friendly, but neutral towards the Spanish Colonies including Buenos Ayres. Monroe began by reminding the minister that America has long since adopted a policy related to the dispute between Spain and the colonies with that of "perfect impartiality". Since the colonies are our neighbors, and we have much commercial intercourse with them it is highly important Monroe declared that our relationships be friendly, all our ports were to be open to the colonies, and they be all the same advantages enjoyed by Spain. According to Monroe, this was a policy that the United States had consistently adhered to, and one that was communicated by British foreign secretary and leader of the British House of Commons Lord Castlereagh to the Allied powers assembled at Aix la Chapelle.
But Monroe wrote that in regards to the dispute between Spain and her allies, the United States was to remain strictly neutral. The United States would not recognize the independence of the Colonies. To do so would put the U.S. in grave danger. Monroe wrote, "had the United States recognized the independence of the Colonies, and had Spain made the recognition a cause of war, other and greater evils might have followed. The allies might have been drawn into it, equally against the United States and the Colonies, the ill consequences of which need not be enumerated". This message was also delivered by a special mission to Buenos Ayres. Thus, it was clear to South American and all of Europe as well as the United States, that if the Colonies took part in a war with Spain, the United States would remain neutral and would not join the colonies. This, no doubt provided a motivation and a deterrence for the colonies to provoke war with Spain. Even just recognizing the independence of South America could provoke war.
Thus President Monroe outlined his dual policy of neutrality and amicability towards South America as expressed to the allied powers. Monroe explained that "when the sentiments of the United States in favor of the colonies" was made to the Congress at Aix la Chapelle it was met with great "disapprobation" (strong disapproval on moral grounds) by the allies especially France and Russia. But, our relationships with the allied powers remained neutral, and must remain that way. Monroe was walking a fine line, continuing to push the cause of independence for the South American colonies, without recognizing their independence. For the moment, all the United States can offer the Colonies was a friendly disposition and conduct.
This was important because if the allied powers of Europe had interfered in the fight for Independence of the South American provinces, it would have forced the United States to side with the Colonies, but we were in no position to defend them.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29460
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congress_of_Aix-la-Chapelle_(1818)
The Writings of James Monroe Volume 6, Best Books (1903) pg. 92 - 99
A view of South America and Mexico by John Milton NIles (1826) pg. 205
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