Q&A · 6:55-7:44

Why did Britain allow French intervention despite the Monroe Doctrine?

British tolerance of French intervention depended on creditor interests and the Royal Navy's ability to interrupt French support.

Question

Why did Britain permit French intervention in Mexico when British sea power helped sustain the Monroe Doctrine?

Short answer

British creditors benefited from French debt collection, while the Royal Navy retained the ability to interrupt French maritime support if British interests required it.

Notes

British creditors could benefit from French intervention because France bore the cost of collecting debts. Ships crossing the Atlantic could replenish at either end, limiting the need for intermediate coaling stations. The Royal Navy nevertheless retained the ability to disrupt the maritime support on which French operations depended. British tolerance therefore depended on British interests.