Roosevelt Corollary

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. It asserted the right of the United States to intervene in Latin American countries to stabilize their economic affairs if they were unable to do so themselves, aiming to prevent European intervention in the region. This policy established the U.S. as a police power in the Western Hemisphere, reflecting a significant shift in foreign policy and emphasizing America's growing influence over Latin America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was primarily a response to fears of European nations intervening in Latin America due to financial instability, particularly following events like the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902-1903.
2. It justified U.S. interventions in countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua, establishing a precedent for American involvement in the region's internal affairs.
3. The corollary was viewed negatively by some Latin Americans who saw it as an infringement on their sovereignty and an example of U.S. imperialism.
4. This policy marked a significant shift from isolationist practices to a more interventionist role for the U.S. in foreign affairs, particularly in its immediate neighborhood.
5. The Roosevelt Corollary influenced U.S.-Latin American relations well into the 20th century, shaping perceptions of American power and authority in the region.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary modify the original Monroe Doctrine, and what implications did this have for U.S.-Latin American relations?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary modified the Monroe Doctrine by explicitly stating that the U.S. had the right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and prevent European interference. This shift turned the U.S. into a self-appointed police power, leading to a more aggressive stance in regional affairs. As a result, U.S.-Latin American relations became characterized by interventionism, often leading to resentment among Latin American countries who viewed these actions as violations of their sovereignty.
• Analyze how the Roosevelt Corollary reflects broader themes of imperialism and interventionism in early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy.
  • The Roosevelt Corollary exemplifies early 20th-century U.S. imperialism by establishing a doctrine that justified American intervention in other nations' affairs under the guise of stabilization. This reflects a broader trend where powerful nations exert control over weaker ones, often leading to conflicts and reinforcing perceptions of dominance. The corollary not only served America's strategic interests but also showcased its willingness to intervene militarily when deemed necessary, shaping its role as a global power.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations through the 20th century and beyond.
  • The long-term effects of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations include enduring mistrust and resentment towards U.S. interventionism among Latin American countries. The precedent set by this policy led to numerous military interventions throughout the century, fostering anti-American sentiment and resistance movements within these nations. Even today, historical grievances stemming from this era continue to influence diplomatic relations and perceptions between the U.S. and Latin America, highlighting the complexities of post-colonial power dynamics.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine:

A U.S. foreign policy principle established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas and declared any intervention by external powers as a threat to U.S. security.

Big Stick Diplomacy: A diplomatic policy advocated by Theodore Roosevelt that emphasized the use of military power to achieve foreign policy goals, encapsulated in the phrase 'speak softly and carry a big stick.'

Panama Canal: A significant engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating maritime trade and military movement, and demonstrating U.S. control in Central America.