Roosevelt Corollary

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, which asserted the right of the United States to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and order. This policy was rooted in the belief that chronic wrongdoing or instability in Latin American nations could justify U.S. intervention, aimed at preventing European powers from exerting influence in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was first articulated during a speech Roosevelt gave to Congress, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to act as an international police power in Latin America.
2. This policy led to numerous U.S. interventions in Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Cuba, justifying military action to stabilize those nations.
3. The Corollary was partly a response to fears of European powers intervening in Latin America, particularly following events like the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902-1903.
4. The Roosevelt Corollary significantly shaped U.S.-Latin American relations for decades, fostering resentment among Latin American nations who viewed it as a justification for U.S. imperialism.
5. This policy laid the groundwork for future interventions and military occupations in Latin America throughout the early 20th century, reinforcing a pattern of American dominance in the region.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand upon the principles of the Monroe Doctrine and what was its intended purpose?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary expanded on the Monroe Doctrine by asserting that not only would the United States oppose European intervention in Latin America, but it would also intervene itself in cases of 'chronic wrongdoing' or instability. The intended purpose was to maintain order and stability within Latin American nations to prevent European powers from exploiting these situations. By positioning itself as a police power, the U.S. aimed to create a safer environment for American interests while also discouraging European encroachment.
• Discuss how Big Stick Diplomacy relates to the Roosevelt Corollary and its implementation in Latin America.
  • Big Stick Diplomacy is closely related to the Roosevelt Corollary as it reflects Roosevelt's approach to foreign policy that combined diplomacy with a willingness to use military force when necessary. Under this strategy, Roosevelt justified interventions in Latin America based on the principles laid out in the Corollary. This approach allowed him to leverage American military power effectively while maintaining an image of promoting stability and peace in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations and how it shaped perceptions of American interventionism.
  • The long-term effects of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations were profound, as it established a precedent for American interventionism that persisted well into the 20th century. This policy fostered widespread resentment among Latin Americans who viewed U.S. actions as imperialistic rather than protective. Over time, this perception fueled nationalist movements within various countries and complicated diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Latin American nations, contributing to ongoing debates about sovereignty, intervention, and regional autonomy.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas and asserted that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression.

Big Stick Diplomacy: A foreign policy approach used by Theodore Roosevelt, emphasizing diplomacy backed by the threat of military force to achieve U.S. goals and maintain stability in Latin America.

Dollar Diplomacy: A U.S. foreign policy approach under President William Howard Taft that aimed to further American interests overseas by using economic power and investments rather than military intervention.