The Effect of the Martin Koszta Affair on American Foreign Policy

Abstract

Secretary of State William L. Marcy formulated the doctrine of domiciliation in 1853 as a response to the Martin Koszta affair. This doctrine helped form part of American foreign policy throughout the 19th century, and it continues today. A closer look at the Koszta affair shows the source and the need for the doctrine, and of course the primary application.