1825-August-01: In the United States, the French recognition of Haiti triggered a new wave of debate regarding the “Monroe Doctrine” and European influence i…

1825-August-01: In the United States, the French recognition of Haiti triggered a new wave of debate regarding the “Monroe Doctrine” and European influence in the Caribbean. Proponents of recognition argued that the 50% customs preference for France was a direct blow to American commerce and a violation of the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine. They contended that if the U.S. did not recognize Haiti and negotiate its own commercial treaty, American merchants would be driven out of the island by the French advantage. Despite the clear economic threat, the political power of the Southern slaveholding bloc remained sufficient to prevent the Adams administration from taking any steps toward formal diplomatic ties.