From almost the first moment of established independence American statesmen visualized the separation of the interests of the western continent from those of Europe, and planned for American leadership in this new world.
Washington, the first President, emphasized in his farewell address the danger of entangling alliances with Europe.

For long the nations of Europe, immersed in Continental wars, put aside their rivalries in this new world.

Britain, for a time, neglected colonial expansion westward, but in 1823, in an emergency of European origin when France, commissioned by the great powers of continental Europe, intervened in Spain to restore the deposed Bourbon monarchy and seemed about to intervene in Spanish America to restore to Spain her revolted colonies, there developed in Great Britain a policy, seemingly about to draw America and England into closer co-operation.

Canning, for Britain, proposed to America a joint declaration against French intervention in the Americas.

His argument was against the principle of intervention; his immediate motive was a fear of French colonial expansion; but his ultimate object was inheritance by Britain of Spain's dying influence and position in the new world.
Canning's overture was earnestly considered in America.