Good Neighbor Policy

Definition

The Good Neighbor Policy was a foreign policy approach adopted by the United States in the 1930s, which emphasized cooperation and non-intervention in the affairs of Latin American countries. It marked a shift away from the previous interventionist policies of the United States in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Good Neighbor Policy was initiated by President Herbert Hoover and further developed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s.
2. The policy emphasized mutual respect, non-intervention, and cooperation between the United States and its Latin American neighbors.
3. It represented a shift away from the previous U.S. policy of military intervention and economic exploitation in the region, known as 'Dollar Diplomacy'.
4. The Good Neighbor Policy helped to improve relations between the United States and Latin American countries, which had been strained due to past U.S. interventions.
5. The policy was seen as a way for the United States to assert its leadership in the Western Hemisphere while also promoting stability and economic development in the region.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Good Neighbor Policy represented a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America.
  • The Good Neighbor Policy marked a significant departure from the previous U.S. foreign policy approach towards Latin America, known as 'Dollar Diplomacy.' Unlike the earlier interventionist and economically exploitative policies, the Good Neighbor Policy emphasized mutual respect, non-intervention, and cooperation between the United States and its Latin American neighbors. This shift was aimed at improving relations with Latin American countries, which had been strained due to past U.S. military interventions and economic dominance in the region. The Good Neighbor Policy was seen as a way for the United States to assert its leadership in the Western Hemisphere while also promoting stability and economic development in Latin America.
• Analyze the factors that led to the adoption of the Good Neighbor Policy and its potential impact on U.S.-Latin American relations.
  • The adoption of the Good Neighbor Policy was influenced by several factors. First, the United States had faced significant backlash and criticism from Latin American countries due to its past interventionist policies, such as military interventions and economic exploitation through 'Dollar Diplomacy.' This strained relationship threatened to undermine U.S. influence and stability in the region. Additionally, the Great Depression had weakened the U.S. economy, making the previous aggressive economic policies less viable. The Good Neighbor Policy was seen as a way to rebuild trust and cooperation with Latin American countries, while also promoting regional stability and economic development. By shifting towards a more respectful and non-interventionist approach, the United States aimed to strengthen its leadership in the Western Hemisphere and secure its strategic interests in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Good Neighbor Policy on U.S. foreign policy and its legacy in shaping future relations with Latin America.
  • The Good Neighbor Policy had a significant and lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America. By abandoning the previous interventionist and exploitative approach, the policy helped to rebuild trust and improve relations between the United States and its southern neighbors. This shift in strategy allowed the U.S. to assert its leadership in the Western Hemisphere while also promoting regional stability and economic development. The legacy of the Good Neighbor Policy can be seen in the increased cooperation and multilateral initiatives that characterized U.S.-Latin American relations in the decades that followed, such as the establishment of the Organization of American States. However, the policy's long-term impact was not without its challenges, as the United States continued to face criticism and resistance from some Latin American countries that remained wary of American influence in the region. Nonetheless, the Good Neighbor Policy represented a significant and influential pivot in U.S. foreign policy that shaped the trajectory of inter-American relations for years to come.

Related terms

Dollar Diplomacy: A foreign policy approach used by the United States in the early 20th century that emphasized the use of economic influence and financial investments to further American interests abroad.

Monroe Doctrine: A foreign policy principle established by the United States in the 19th century, which declared the Americas closed to future European colonization and interference.

Pan-Americanism: A movement that advocated for increased political, economic, and cultural cooperation among the countries of the Western Hemisphere, particularly the United States and Latin America.