Latin American Policies Unit 2: The Beginning of Modern America Chapter 5: America as a World Power Latin American Policies

Study Guide “Latin American Policy” Homework Study Guide “Latin American Policy”

When, where and why did the United States intervene in Latin America? Lesson Objective When, where and why did the United States intervene in Latin America?

Warm-Up Activity Geography Application “Pancho Villa Raids New Mexico”

Policing the Western Hemisphere “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” President Roosevelt believed that the United States, should respond to foreign crisis not by threats but by military action. Roosevelt became known for his “big stick” approach when it came to foreign affairs. He believed that the United States had to be the “policeman of the world” in order to maintain peace.

Big Stick Diplomacy

U.S. Involvement in Latin America As the U.S. economy grew so did interest in Latin America. American businesses found they could cheaply buy food and raw materials bananas, coffee, copper. U.S. companies also bought large tracts of land for farming and mining.

United Fruit Co. in Latin America

United Fruit Company Banana Farm – Loading Bananas in Guatemala

Manager's house, Bananera, Guatelmala

U.S. Involvement in Latin America As U.S. economic interest grew in Latin America, many leaders became concerned over its political stability. American leaders were especially worried that European nations would intervene in the region.

The Monroe Doctrine Roosevelt reminded the European nations of the prevented other nations from intervening in Latin America.

Roosevelt Corollary In 1904, President Roosevelt added the - prevented European intervention but it also authorized the U.S. to act as “policeman” in the region. U.S. would intervene in domestic affairs of any Latin American country when they believed such action was necessary to maintain stability.

U.S. Intervention Under the Roosevelt Corollary the United States claimed the right to intervene in the affairs of Latin America whenever those nations seemed unstable. In 1905, the U.S. invaded the Dominican Republic and took control of its finances. In 1906, it invaded Cuba to stop a revolution.

Dollar Diplomacy Roosevelt’s successor in the White House, William Howard Taft believed that the United States should take a different approach. He believed that U.S. business and money would bring stability and progress to the region. This was known as dollar diplomacy.

President William Howard Taft Dollar Diplomacy

Dollar Diplomacy This policy resulted in the United States having a greater role in Latin America. American companies gained great power and controlled the politics of some nations. Such involvement by the United States led to anti-U.S. feelings throughout Latin America.

“The Mexican Revolution” BrainPop “The Mexican Revolution”

The U.S. & Mexico In the early 1900’s, Mexico was a poor country ruled by a small group of rich landholders. Beginning in 1910, Mexico experienced civil war which threatened American business and investment. In 1914 American troops seized the port of Veracruz as a sign of strength and to help get rid of the Mexican government.

The Mexican Revolution continues… When the U.S. forces left Mexico and a new government took power, the civil war did not end. In 1916, Francisco “Pancho” Villa attacked the government of Venustiano Carranza. That same year he captured and killed 16 Americans for their support of the Carranza government. The U.S. immediately sent General John Pershing to capture Villa. A year later in 1917 with World War I raging throughout Europe, President Woodrow Wilson withdrew the troops from Mexico. Villa was never captured but was murdered in 1923 by his enemies.

Francisco “Pancho” Villa