The monograph is devoted to the formation of diplomatic and trade relations between the United States and the states of Latin America: from the first official contacts to diplomatic recognition and the signing of interstate treaties. An assessment is made of the activities of various participants in these events: politicians, military men, merchants and simply adventurers. The work is of great importance for understanding the development of US foreign policy principles, including the famous Monroe Doctrine. The author reveals the socio-cultural prerequisites for future conflicts between the two Americas. The book is written based on a wide range of published sources and materials from US archives.