The Fate of Latin America
After the Spanish-American War, America purchased the Philippines, and Cuba and Puerto Rico were freed from Spanish rule. However, their futures remained up in the air. Three new policies were brought up to determine how the U.S. would take action in Latin America.
"Big Stick" Diplomacy
Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick" Policy supported his belief that the strength of the nation depended on the size of the military. Roosevelt believed America needed to take an international leadership role during the imperialistic era. Another aspect of Big Stick Diplomacy was America's moral obligation to civilize other weaker nations.
Roosevelt used military/ navy power to support the Panama Rebellion against the Columbian government, which allowed him to gain control to build the Panama Canal for trade.
In 1904, Roosevelt's Corollary updated the Monroe Doctrine so that if Latin America were to cause any problems, the U.S. would assume police power and prevent European intervention.
Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy was the most assertive approach to Latin America. This form of diplomacy showed the imperial power of the U.S. by proving its authority it the Western Hemisphere.
Roosevelt used military/ navy power to support the Panama Rebellion against the Columbian government, which allowed him to gain control to build the Panama Canal for trade.
In 1904, Roosevelt's Corollary updated the Monroe Doctrine so that if Latin America were to cause any problems, the U.S. would assume police power and prevent European intervention.
Roosevelt's Big Stick Policy was the most assertive approach to Latin America. This form of diplomacy showed the imperial power of the U.S. by proving its authority it the Western Hemisphere.
Dollar Diplomacy
William Howard Taft's Dollar Diplomacy promised to protect American business investments in Latin America, and assured that the U.S. would intervene if any conflict surfaced dealing with Latin America.
Taft's Dollar Diplomacy was used in 1909 when Taft helped a rebel group overthrow the dictator in Nicaragua. He wanted to keep Nicaragua stable since the trans-Isthmian canal was an important trade route for American business. However, when the goal was achieved, the U.S. made demands of the new government that were unpopular. This only caused more rebellion.
Taft's Dollar Diplomacy was too aggressive when he tried to force U.S. investment and economic activities, and he only angered European powers. This form of diplomacy showed that American investments overseas were valuable to America.
Taft's Dollar Diplomacy was used in 1909 when Taft helped a rebel group overthrow the dictator in Nicaragua. He wanted to keep Nicaragua stable since the trans-Isthmian canal was an important trade route for American business. However, when the goal was achieved, the U.S. made demands of the new government that were unpopular. This only caused more rebellion.
Taft's Dollar Diplomacy was too aggressive when he tried to force U.S. investment and economic activities, and he only angered European powers. This form of diplomacy showed that American investments overseas were valuable to America.
Moral DiplomacyWoodrow Wilson's Moral Diplomacy promoted anti-imperialism. He wanted to end the U.S. attempts to acquire more territory by conquest. He hoped to promote "human rights, national integrity, and opportunity". He also refused to recognize governments that are not democratic.
A revolutionary regime took power in the Dominican Republic, however, the U.S. chose not to recognize them since they were not democratic. An election was held at the request of the U.S. The winning candidate resigned shortly after taking office. The U.S. intervened with full military occupation. A U.S. military ruled until 1924. Hostility against the U.S. increased during this time. Moral diplomacy, in this instance, was not successful since the purpose was to create a more democratic. However, the result was a foreign military government. |
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