To the defense of our own [Government], which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure ... and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole Nation is devoted.
That the American continents, by the free and independent conditions which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Powers....
We should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety. ...
But with the Governments (the Spanish American Republics) who have declared their Independence and maintained it, and whose Independence we have ... acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny by any European Power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States. ...
This is the Monroe Doctrine.
America for the Americans, American Independence, is what it means.
WHAT ONE AMERICAN DID
October 9, 1820
Now, to return to South America and its struggle:
“That was bravely and cleverly done!” exclaimed Joseph Villamil.
Villamil was an American, a citizen of the United States, who had cast in his lot with the Spanish-American Patriots. At his house in Guayaquil (a city now a part of Ecuador) the local Patriots met to discuss plans.