Roosevelt Corollary

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin America to stabilize economic or political situations. This policy fundamentally changed U.S. foreign relations, emphasizing military intervention and economic influence to prevent European powers from intervening in the region, leading to a more active American presence in Latin America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was introduced as a response to various crises in the Caribbean and Central America, particularly focusing on debt collection issues that threatened U.S. interests.
2. It justified military intervention as a means to maintain stability, leading to direct U.S. involvement in countries like the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
3. This corollary marked a shift from isolationism to an interventionist policy, highlighting the U.S.'s willingness to act as a 'policeman' in Latin America.
4. The policy caused significant tensions with Latin American nations, who often viewed it as imperialistic and undermining their sovereignty.
5. The Roosevelt Corollary laid the groundwork for future U.S. foreign policies in Latin America, influencing American actions throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand upon the Monroe Doctrine and change U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary built on the Monroe Doctrine by not only opposing European intervention but also justifying direct U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs. This expansion shifted U.S. foreign policy from a stance of passive resistance to one of active involvement, asserting that the United States could intervene to maintain order and stability in neighboring countries. By framing this intervention as necessary for protecting American interests, it positioned the U.S. as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere.
• Evaluate how the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary influenced U.S.-Latin American relations during the early 20th century.
  • The implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary significantly impacted U.S.-Latin American relations by fostering a climate of mistrust and resentment among Latin American nations. While it aimed to ensure stability, many countries perceived it as an infringement on their sovereignty and an imposition of American power. This led to numerous military interventions and increased tensions, as nations sought to navigate their independence while grappling with U.S. dominance in their political and economic affairs.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S. foreign policy and its effects on Latin America well into the 20th century.
  • The long-term implications of the Roosevelt Corollary shaped U.S. foreign policy by establishing a precedent for interventionism that persisted throughout the 20th century. It set the stage for future policies like Dollar Diplomacy and military actions during events such as World War II and beyond. The perception of the U.S. as an imperialistic force in Latin America continued to foster anti-American sentiment, influencing political movements and shaping diplomatic relationships for decades, ultimately impacting regional stability and governance.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 stating that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the U.S.

Dollar Diplomacy: A foreign policy aimed at furthering U.S. interests abroad by encouraging and protecting American trade and investments, often involving financial intervention.

Panama Canal: A significant engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, greatly enhancing U.S. naval and commercial power in the region.