Good Neighbor Policy

Definition

The Good Neighbor Policy was a diplomatic initiative launched by the United States in the 1930s aimed at improving relations with Latin American countries by emphasizing cooperation and trade rather than military intervention. This policy marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, reflecting a desire to foster positive relationships and support economic development in the region while reducing previous interventions that had been characterized as imperialistic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Good Neighbor Policy was primarily promoted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a response to growing anti-American sentiment in Latin America during the Great Depression.
2. This policy led to a reduction of military interventions by the U.S. in Latin America, marking a departure from earlier strategies that included direct military action.
3. Key features of the Good Neighbor Policy included economic cooperation through trade agreements and cultural exchanges, promoting mutual respect and understanding between nations.
4. The policy aimed to counteract the influence of European powers in Latin America and establish a more favorable image of the United States in the region.
5. The Good Neighbor Policy laid the groundwork for future U.S.-Latin American relations, influencing policies during World War II and the subsequent Cold War era.

Review Questions

• How did the Good Neighbor Policy alter previous U.S. foreign policies towards Latin America?
  • The Good Neighbor Policy represented a significant shift from earlier U.S. foreign policies characterized by military intervention and dominance, such as those outlined in the Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary. Instead of asserting control through force, this policy emphasized mutual respect, cooperation, and economic partnerships with Latin American nations. It aimed to improve diplomatic relations and foster goodwill, ultimately leading to a more collaborative approach towards governance and trade.
• Evaluate the impact of the Good Neighbor Policy on U.S.-Latin American relations during its implementation.
  • The Good Neighbor Policy had a transformative impact on U.S.-Latin American relations, fostering improved diplomatic ties through initiatives focused on economic collaboration and cultural exchange. By reducing military interventions, it alleviated some anti-American sentiment prevalent in many Latin American countries at the time. This shift not only contributed to stronger alliances but also set a precedent for future engagements, shaping how the United States would approach its neighbors throughout the mid-20th century.
• Analyze how the Good Neighbor Policy influenced U.S. involvement in Latin America during World War II and beyond.
  • The Good Neighbor Policy created a foundation for cooperative relationships that proved beneficial during World War II when U.S. allies in Latin America were crucial for resources and strategic locations. This cooperative spirit encouraged Latin American nations to support Allied efforts against Axis powers, further solidifying U.S. influence in the region. Post-war, however, tensions resurfaced as Cold War dynamics shifted U.S. priorities, leading to new interventions that sometimes contradicted the principles of the Good Neighbor Policy, revealing complexities in long-term regional relations.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine:

A U.S. policy established in 1823 that opposed European colonialism in the Americas and asserted that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression.

Roosevelt Corollary:

An extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt, stating that the U.S. would intervene in Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests.

Pan-Americanism: A political and cultural movement advocating for cooperation and unity among the countries of the Americas, often promoted through organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS).