The doctrine of expatriation
Subject(s): Ashburton, Alexander Baring, Baron, 1774-1848, Bancroft, George, 1800-1891, Black, Jeremiah S. (Jeremiah Sullivan), 1810-1883, Buchanan, James, 1791-1868, Cushing, Caleb, 1800-1879, Ernst, Christian, 1832-, Everett, Edward, 1794-1865, Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874, Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826, Madison, James, 1751-1836, Marcy, William L. (William Learned), 1786-1857, Marshall, John, 1755-1835, Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816, Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869, Robinson, William E. (William Erigena), 1814-1892, Seward, William H. (William Henry), 1801-1872, Story, Joseph, 1779-1845, Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874, Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852
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In this magazine article, John Bassett Moore discusses the concept of expatriation. In the early days of the American republic, the government inherited the idea of “indefeasible allegiance” from English common law, which was maintained for some time. The first Secretary of State to announce the doctrine of expatriation was James Buchanan, who believed it was the duty of America to protect naturalized and native citizens exactly the same. This opinion was not adopted by subsequent secretaries of state until Buchanan was president, and did not become law in the United States until July 1868. Since 1872, the United States has tried to secure naturalization treaties with all countries. Moore concludes his article discussing an incorrect impression about expatriation. Some people believe a declaration of intention to become an American citizen brings about the same protection as a citizen, which Moore firmly states is “altogether erroneous.”
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1904-12
Creator(s)
Moore, John Bassett, 1860-1947
Publication Date
2022-01-06
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 1st Term (September 1901-February 1905)
Page Count
12
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
The doctrine of expatriation. [December 1, 1904?]. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o299809. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Moore, John Bassett, 1860-1947. The doctrine of expatriation. [1 Dec. 1904?]. Multi-image. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. October 29, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o299809.
APA:
Moore, John Bassett, 1860-1947.: , [1904, December 1?]. The doctrine of expatriation. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o299809.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. October 29, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
