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 American countries to stabilize them if they were unable to maintain order and meet their international obligations. This policy reflected America's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere and justified interventions in several countries, marking a significant shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was introduced during Roosevelt's State of the Union address in 1904, emphasizing America's responsibility to maintain order in Latin America.
2. It justified U.S. intervention in countries like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Nicaragua, where instability threatened American economic interests.
3. The Corollary marked a departure from earlier U.S. policies that primarily focused on containment of European powers rather than active intervention.
4. It contributed to the perception of the U.S. as a 'policeman' of the Western Hemisphere, influencing relationships with Latin American nations.
5. The Roosevelt Corollary played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy throughout the early 20th century, laying groundwork for future interventions in Latin America.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary alter the United States' approach to foreign policy in Latin America compared to previous policies?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary shifted the United States' approach from passive containment of European powers, as established by the Monroe Doctrine, to active intervention in Latin America. This change allowed the U.S. to justify military involvement in countries facing internal turmoil or financial instability, claiming it was necessary to maintain order and protect American interests. The Corollary marked a more assertive stance for the U.S., establishing it as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere.
• Discuss specific instances where the Roosevelt Corollary was applied and their impacts on U.S.-Latin American relations.
  • One notable application of the Roosevelt Corollary occurred in 1905 when the U.S. intervened in the Dominican Republic to manage its debts and prevent European intervention. Similarly, military action was taken in Nicaragua during the early 1900s to support a pro-American government. These interventions often strained relations with Latin American countries, as they were viewed as infringements on sovereignty, contributing to resentment and distrust towards U.S. motives.
• Evaluate how the principles of the Roosevelt Corollary influenced later U.S. foreign policy decisions beyond Theodore Roosevelt's presidency.
  • The principles of the Roosevelt Corollary continued to influence U.S. foreign policy even after Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, shaping approaches during subsequent administrations. Policies like Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy aimed to promote cooperation but were still rooted in ideas of American dominance in Latin America. The legacy of interventionist strategies seen through the Corollary contributed to America's ongoing military involvement and political maneuvering throughout the region well into the Cold War era, impacting relations with various nations across Latin America.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. policy established in 1823 that warned European nations against colonization or interference in the Americas, asserting that any such actions would be viewed as acts of aggression.

Big Stick Diplomacy: A foreign policy approach associated with Theodore Roosevelt that emphasized negotiation backed by the threat of military force, reflecting a more assertive U.S. role in international affairs.

Panama Canal: A major engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly enhancing U.S. naval and commercial capabilities and demonstrating the impact of American expansionism.