4x The primary reason for the announcement of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 was A afear of European involvement in Latin America. B a desire to annex the independent territory of Texas. C to justify the annexation of Hawaii and Alaska into the United States. D the belief that the period of US neutrality in European affairs was over.

## Step 1<br />The Monroe Doctrine was a significant policy statement made by President James Monroe in 1823. This doctrine was a response to the growing influence of European powers in the Americas, particularly after the independence of many Latin American countries from Spain and Portugal.<br />## Step 2<br />The doctrine declared that the Americas should be free from future European colonization and that any attempt to interfere with states in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression requiring U.S. intervention.<br />## Step 3<br />The doctrine did not concern the annexation of Texas, Hawaii, or Alaska, nor did it signify the end of U.S. neutrality in European affairs. Instead, it was primarily about preventing European expansion in the Americas.<br />## Step 4<br />Based on the above information, the primary reason for the announcement of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 was a fear of European involvement in Latin America.