Roosevelt Corollary

Definition

The Roosevelt Corollary was an extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in Latin America to maintain stability and order. It was a significant shift in American foreign policy, emphasizing the U.S. role as a regional police power and a guardian of economic interests in the Western Hemisphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roosevelt Corollary was introduced in response to concerns over European intervention in Latin America, particularly in countries with unstable governments.
2. It justified U.S. intervention not only for self-defense but also for protecting American interests and ensuring stability in neighboring countries.
3. The corollary led to increased American involvement in Caribbean and Central American affairs, often through military intervention.
4. Under this policy, the U.S. intervened in countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic to prevent European powers from exerting influence.
5. The Roosevelt Corollary established a precedent for future U.S. interventions in Latin America, influencing U.S.-Latin American relations throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Roosevelt Corollary change the perception of U.S. involvement in Latin America?
  • The Roosevelt Corollary significantly changed how the United States was perceived in Latin America by positioning it as an active enforcer of order and stability. Previously, the Monroe Doctrine primarily focused on preventing European interference; however, with Roosevelt's corollary, the U.S. asserted its right to intervene militarily in Latin American nations. This shift led many countries to view the U.S. as an imperial power rather than a protector, altering diplomatic relations across the region.
• Evaluate the impact of the Roosevelt Corollary on U.S.-Latin American relations during Theodore Roosevelt's presidency.
  • The Roosevelt Corollary had a profound impact on U.S.-Latin American relations by establishing a more interventionist approach towards countries in the region. This resulted in several military interventions aimed at stabilizing governments deemed unstable or vulnerable to foreign influence. While some viewed these actions as protective measures, many Latin Americans resented U.S. interference, leading to long-lasting tensions and fostering anti-American sentiments that persisted well into the 20th century.
• Assess how the Roosevelt Corollary has shaped modern perceptions of U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America and its implications for international relations.
  • The Roosevelt Corollary has shaped modern perceptions of U.S. foreign policy by establishing a legacy of interventionism that continues to influence actions taken by the U.S. government today. This policy laid the groundwork for future interventions and military actions throughout Latin America under various pretexts of stability and democracy promotion. The implications for international relations include ongoing debates over sovereignty, imperialism, and America's role as a global power, as many Latin American nations still grapple with historical grievances stemming from past interventions.

Related terms

Monroe Doctrine:

A U.S. policy established in 1823 that warned European nations against further colonization or interference in the Americas.

Big Stick Diplomacy: The foreign policy approach of Theodore Roosevelt, which emphasized negotiation backed by the threat of military force.

Panama Canal:

A significant engineering project completed in 1914 that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, greatly facilitating maritime trade and U.S. military movement.