Roosevelt Corollary Era

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary Era refers to the period in the early 20th century when President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the Monroe Doctrine to justify American intervention in Latin America. This era is characterized by the United States asserting its influence and control over Central and South American countries, often through military intervention, in order to stabilize the region and protect American interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was articulated in Roosevelt's 1904 State of the Union address and stated that the U.S. would intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and order.
2. This era saw U.S. military interventions in countries like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Nicaragua to prevent European powers from reasserting control in these nations.
3. The Roosevelt Corollary marked a shift from passive to active U.S. involvement in Latin America, framing it as a moral obligation to prevent chaos.
4. The U.S. justified its interventions under the guise of protecting democracy and economic interests, although it often resulted in increased American dominance over the region.
5. The legacy of this era continues to influence U.S.-Latin American relations, leading to a mixed response among Latin American nations regarding American interventionism.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary change U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary transformed U.S. foreign policy by shifting it from a stance of isolationism to one of interventionism in Latin America. It expanded upon the Monroe Doctrine by asserting that the U.S. had the right to intervene in regional affairs to maintain stability and prevent European intervention. This shift allowed for a more active role for the U.S. in Latin American politics and led to numerous military interventions throughout the early 20th century.
• Evaluate the impact of the Roosevelt Corollary on relations between the United States and Latin American countries during this era.
  • The impact of the Roosevelt Corollary on relations with Latin American countries was complex. While it aimed to establish order and stability, it often resulted in resentment and distrust among Latin American nations. Many viewed U.S. interventions as imperialistic, undermining their sovereignty and leading to long-term tensions between the regions. The corollary's justification for military action contributed to a legacy of U.S. dominance that has shaped perceptions of American involvement in Latin America.
• Critically analyze how the Roosevelt Corollary Era reflects broader themes of imperialism and interventionism in U.S. history.
  • The Roosevelt Corollary Era exemplifies broader themes of imperialism and interventionism as it demonstrates how the United States sought to assert its power on a global scale under the guise of promoting stability and democracy. By justifying military interventions as necessary for protecting economic interests and maintaining order, this period reveals a pattern of U.S. expansionism that prioritizes national interests over local sovereignty. Additionally, it reflects ongoing debates about the ethical implications of interventionist policies, which continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about U.S. foreign policy.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine:

A U.S. policy established in 1823 declaring that further European colonization or interference in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression.

Big Stick Diplomacy:

The foreign policy approach of Theodore Roosevelt, which emphasized negotiation backed by the threat of military force to achieve American goals.

Panama Canal: A significant engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating trade and military movement, and showcasing American influence in the region.