What was the main reason President Monroe made the following statement? "The American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Power."

-President James Monroe, message to Congress, 1823

To strengthen political alliances with European allies

To address European competition for natural resources

To increase U. S. military readiness for European expansionism

To prevent European intervention in countries near the United States