U.S. Policy in Post WWI Latin America

Pre 1920 Gunboat/ Big Stick Diplomacy Military intervention Police Power Impose Democracy by force

Americanism in the region began to manifest itself in the form of ultra-nationalist and protectionist measures by Latin American governments. With the gathering war clouds in Europe and Asia, President Roosevelt instituted a dramatic shift in American relations with Latin America. No longer would armed intervention be used to support American foreign policy goals, businesses and/or to prop- up pro-American governments. The Good Neighbor Policy was more or less intended to garner Latin American support for a global American policy. Giving up unpopular military intervention, the United States shifted to other methods to maintain its influence in Latin America: Pan- Americanism, support for strong local leaders, the training of national guards, economic and cultural penetration, Export-Import Bank loans, financial supervision and political subversion. The Good Neighbor Policy meant that the United States would keep its eye on Latin America in a more peaceful tone.

Latin American Domestic Policy Goal- continue protecting U.S. economic interests Reality- depression + WWI = U.S. citizens are tired of old style Imperialism and foreign conflicts/ crusades Columbia threatens to cancel rights of U.S. oil companies to drill, so U.S. pays Colombia for loss of Panama (rather than send in Military as they did in Mexico) Pan American Conferences in 1923 and 1928 cause bitter criticism of American policy in Latin America

U.S. involvement in Mexico post 1917 Haggle over application of 1917 Constitution (threat to US investments) Public opinion opposes military action Military invasion is very costly (troops +$) U.S. entrepreneurs disagreed over the best course of action oil companies support intervention banks/mining companies opposed

Hoover Abandon’s Wilson’s position of denying recognition to unworthy governments Withdraws from Nicaragua Clark memorandum- Roosevelt Corollary does has no support in Monroe doctrine (repeals Corollary)

Good Neighbor Policy In Roosevelt’s inaugural address in 1933 Roosevelt mentioned Americas' determination to be “Good Neighbor” in foreign affairs Signals drastic change from policies of previous administrations Repeals Platt Amendment (which gives U.S. right to intervene in Cuban affairs) (abandons protectorate over Cuba) Troops out of Haiti

U.S. Cuba Relations test good Neighbour In Cuban economy deteriorating Gerardo Machado is dictator of Cuba Revolution threatens U.S. investments on the Island Dr. Ramon Grau San Matin takes power- canceled payments to New York Bank U.S. sends War Ships to Havana Harbor – with U.S. Support Fulgencio Batista is made Dictator

Trade Efforts Using trade agreements to increase U.S. influence in Latin America (hope to help U.S. out of Depression) Hull- negotiates reciprocal trade with 15 Latin American Nations (this is a threat to ISI, threatens Latin American Industry, treaties mostly do not succeed)