Then, in 1815, the three Kings of Russia, Prussia, and Austria, formed a league called the Holy Alliance.
Its original purpose was lofty. It was at first, a very pious affair.
The Holy Allies agreed to take under their Christian protection the Kingdoms of Europe, and to govern their three Peoples as one People by the dictates of the Holy Religion of Christ. They pledged themselves to bring about a reign of charity, justice, and peace for Europe. The Holy Allies claimed to be divinely appointed to do all this. Spain, France, Naples, and Sardinia joined them. England did not become a member for though she has a monarch, she has a Constitutional Government.
It was not long before this Holy Alliance became a hotbed of European intrigue, and developed into a subtle political league to destroy the awakening liberties of the World.
The Holy Allies conspired to put down all democratic principles, and stamp out all representative government from Europe. They also conspired to prevent the formation of any new Republics in other parts of the World, and to chain the liberty of the Press, which is the Voice of the People. Thus these Holy Allies joined forces to uphold the divine right of Kings and the tyranny of absolute monarchies.
Their next move was to promise Spain to help destroy the Spanish-American Republics, and thus restore to her her lost Colonies.
This was after we had acknowledged the Independence of those Republics.
The Holy Allies planned to invade America with their Army.
When this news reached the United States, there was a furore. And, when added to this news, it was announced that Russia was laying plans to colonize the Pacific coast of North America, there was great indignation in this country.
It was then, that President Monroe, on December 2, 1823, gave to the World the famous Monroe Doctrine, which is this:—