U.S. Intervention

Definition

U.S. intervention refers to the involvement of the United States in the domestic affairs of other countries, particularly in Latin America, often through military, political, or economic means. This intervention was often justified by the U.S. government as a way to promote stability, protect American interests, and counter perceived threats from communism or other ideologies during a time of political instability and social unrest in post-independence Latin American countries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. U.S. intervention in Latin America became particularly pronounced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as political instability and revolutions erupted across the region.
2. The U.S. frequently justified its interventions as necessary for promoting democracy and stability, although these actions often prioritized American economic and strategic interests.
3. The impact of U.S. intervention often led to long-term consequences such as civil wars, authoritarian regimes, and ongoing political instability in the countries involved.
4. Key examples of U.S. intervention include the support of coups in Guatemala (1954) and Chile (1973), which sought to remove governments that were perceived as leftist or threatening to U.S. interests.
5. The legacy of U.S. intervention is still felt today, with many Latin American countries grappling with the socio-political impacts of these historical actions.

Review Questions

• How did U.S. intervention shape the political landscape of Latin America in the post-independence era?
  • U.S. intervention significantly influenced the political landscape of Latin America by supporting certain governments while undermining others deemed hostile to American interests. This often resulted in shifts towards authoritarianism, as regimes that were backed by the U.S. suppressed dissent and civil liberties to maintain stability. Consequently, these interventions fostered an environment of distrust among local populations towards both their governments and foreign influence.
• Discuss how the Monroe Doctrine set the stage for future U.S. interventions in Latin America.
  • The Monroe Doctrine laid a foundational policy that asserted U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas, establishing a sphere of influence over Latin America that justified later interventions. By declaring that any European attempts to interfere would be viewed as a threat, the doctrine positioned the U.S. as a dominant power in the region and set a precedent for its future actions under the guise of protecting democracy and stability.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of U.S. intervention in Latin America, considering its impacts on sovereignty and democracy.
  • The ethical implications of U.S. intervention in Latin America raise significant questions about sovereignty and democratic principles. While often presented as efforts to promote democracy and protect human rights, many interventions resulted in undermining local self-determination and contributing to authoritarian governance. The long-term effects included increased violence and political turmoil, leading to debates on whether such interventions truly aligned with democratic values or were primarily driven by strategic interests.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. foreign policy principle established in 1823 that aimed to prevent European interference in the Americas, asserting that any intervention by external powers would be seen as a threat to U.S. security.

Dollar Diplomacy: A diplomatic strategy used by the U.S. in the early 20th century that aimed to promote American financial interests abroad while using economic power to influence other nations' policies.

Military Coups: Forcible overthrows of a government by military forces, which were often supported or instigated by the U.S. in various Latin American countries during times of political instability.