Chapter 23, Section 3: The U.S. in Latin America
Main Idea: Increasing economic ties led the United States to intervene in Latin
American affairs.
A. Panama Canal• During the S-A War, the USS
Oregon took almost the entire war to get from SF to Cuba. A canal through Central America would cut the trip by 2/3.
• Colombia (which owned Panama) turned down US offer to build a canal, so US “encouraged” Panama to revolt with our support. We then struck a deal with them ($10 mill. + $250k/yr) .This made many Latin American nations bitter toward us.
• 7 years to build - William Gorgas eliminated mosquito population in Panama to reduce yellow fever & malaria
TR
The Big Ditch
Panama & Yellow Fever
B. Policing Latin America• Roosevelt Corollary & “Gunboat Diplomacy”
– addition to the Monroe Doctrine (1823) which gave US the right to intervene in Latin America to keep law & order (this would help keep Europe out) *US is “policeman” of WH.
• Dollar Diplomacy – Taft’s policy of paying debts of Lat. Amer. to Europe & encouraging US businesses to invest in Latin America & increase trade to step up US role there.
• These policies often caused resentment & suspicion from Latin American nations toward the US’s “imperialism” (too involved)
The Roosevelt Corollary to The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: 1905the Monroe Doctrine: 1905The Roosevelt Corollary to The Roosevelt Corollary to
the Monroe Doctrine: 1905the Monroe Doctrine: 1905
Big Stick Policy
Dollar Diplomacy – President Taft’s policy of encouraging Americans to invest in Latin America
U.S. Global Investments & Investments in Latin America, 1914
U. S. Interventions in U. S. Interventions in Latin America: 1898-1920sLatin America: 1898-1920s
U. S. Interventions in U. S. Interventions in Latin America: 1898-1920sLatin America: 1898-1920s
C. Troubles in Mexico• After the US interfered in
Mexico’s revolution (protect business), rebel leader Pancho Villa killed 35 Americans (17 in New Mexico) to protest.
• Gen. John J. Pershing led 6,000 American troops into Mexico to search for him, but withdrew after a year to focus on WWI (troops needed).
• Left bad feelings between the two countries
Uncle Sam: One of the Uncle Sam: One of the “Boys?”“Boys?”
Uncle Sam: One of the Uncle Sam: One of the “Boys?”“Boys?”