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 TR 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

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 Monroe Doctrine: 1905

Big Stick Policy

U.S. Global Investments & Investments in Latin America, 1914 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 Latin 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 “Boys?”