Roosevelt Corollary

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary was an addition to 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 their economies and maintain order. This corollary reflected the belief in American exceptionalism and the idea that the U.S. was responsible for overseeing the stability of its neighboring countries, thus serving as a rationale for imperialism during this period.

Historical Context

The Roosevelt Corollary was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, following Venezuela's crisis with European creditors. It emerged during an era of increasing U.S. involvement in Latin America and reflected the assertive foreign policy stance that characterized Roosevelt's presidency. The Corollary established that the United States would intervene in conflicts between European countries and Latin American nations to enforce legitimate claims of European powers, rather than allowing Europeans to press their claims directly.

Historical Significance

The Roosevelt Corollary had significant implications for U.S.-Latin American relations, justifying American intervention throughout the hemisphere. It expanded the Monroe Doctrine's scope and signaled a shift from a passive policy of avoiding entanglements to an active role in regional affairs. This policy paved the way for numerous U.S. interventions in Latin America and established the United States as a 'policeman' in the Western Hemisphere, influencing inter-American relations well into the 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was introduced in Roosevelt's State of the Union address in 1904 and expanded on the Monroe Doctrine's original intent.
2. It justified U.S. intervention in Latin America under the guise of maintaining stability, which often led to military interventions in countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.
3. The Corollary established a precedent for the U.S. as a police power in the Western Hemisphere, increasing tensions with other nations in the region.
4. It was a reflection of imperialistic attitudes prevalent during this time, demonstrating how economic interests were often linked to military actions.
5. The Roosevelt Corollary had lasting effects on U.S.-Latin American relations and set the stage for future policies like Dollar Diplomacy under Taft.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary expand upon the principles established by the Monroe Doctrine?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary built on the Monroe Doctrine by not only warning European powers against intervention but also asserting a proactive role for the U.S. in Latin America. While the Monroe Doctrine focused on preventing European colonization, Roosevelt's addition allowed for direct U.S. intervention in Latin American affairs to maintain order and stability. This shift marked a significant change in American foreign policy from passive resistance to active involvement.
• Analyze how the Roosevelt Corollary reflected broader themes of American imperialism during the early 20th century.
  • The Roosevelt Corollary exemplified early 20th-century American imperialism by justifying military interventions under the pretext of maintaining stability in Latin America. This approach revealed underlying attitudes of superiority and responsibility toward neighboring countries, reflecting a belief that the U.S. had a duty to manage regional affairs. The Corollary also indicated a shift towards more aggressive foreign policy measures, as it encouraged actions that further expanded U.S. influence across Latin America.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations and global perceptions of American power.
  • The long-term implications of the Roosevelt Corollary included strained relationships between the U.S. and Latin American nations due to perceived imperialistic behavior. Many Latin American countries viewed U.S. interventions as violations of sovereignty, fostering resentment towards American policies. Globally, this corollary contributed to perceptions of the U.S. as an imperial power willing to use military force to protect its interests, which shaped international relations well into the 20th century and influenced future foreign policies.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine: A U.S. foreign policy statement from 1823 that warned European powers against further colonization and intervention in the Americas.

Dollar Diplomacy: A foreign policy strategy employed by President William Howard Taft that aimed to use financial investments and loans to extend U.S. influence in Latin America and East Asia.

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century belief that American expansion across the continent was both justified and inevitable, rooted in the idea of American exceptionalism.