The Roosevelt Corollary, an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, asserted the United States’ right to intervene in the affairs of any Latin American nation to restore order and protect American interests. This policy, formulated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, significantly expanded the United States’ influence in the region and set the stage for a century of interventionism.
Background
The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed in 1823, declared that the Americas were off-limits to further European colonization. However, the United States’ growing economic and political interests in Latin America led to a more assertive approach towards the region.
In 1901, Germany and Great Britain blockaded Venezuela to collect debts owed by the country. Roosevelt feared that the European powers might seize Venezuelan territory as payment, which would violate the Monroe Doctrine.
The Roosevelt Corollary
In his annual message to Congress on December 6, 1904, Roosevelt announced the Roosevelt Corollary, stating:
“Chronic wrongdoing, or an impotence which results in a general loosening of the ties of civilized society, may in America, as elsewhere, ultimately require intervention by some civilized nation, and in the Western Hemisphere the adherence of the United States to the Monroe Doctrine may force the United States, however reluctantly, in flagrant cases of such wrongdoing or impotence, to the exercise of an international police power.”
This declaration gave the United States the authority to intervene unilaterally in Latin America to restore order, protect American citizens and property, and prevent European intervention.
Justification and Purpose
Roosevelt justified the corollary on the grounds of two arguments:
1. The “Big Stick Diplomacy”: He believed that the United States had a responsibility to use its military might to maintain stability and order in the region. This approach was known as “Big Stick Diplomacy,” as Roosevelt famously declared: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
2. The “Civilizing Mission”: Roosevelt also saw the United States as having a moral obligation to “civilize” Latin America. He believed that the United States could bring order and progress to the region by imposing its values and institutions.
Applications and Consequences
The Roosevelt Corollary was applied in numerous instances throughout Latin America:
1. Panama Canal Zone: In 1903, the United States helped Panama gain independence from Colombia to secure a zone for the Panama Canal.
2. Dominican Republic: In 1905, the United States established a financial protectorate over the Dominican Republic to pay off its debts and prevent European intervention.
3. Nicaragua: The United States intervened in Nicaragua several times between 1912 and 1933 to support pro-American governments and secure the construction of a canal.
4. Mexico: In 1914, the United States sent troops into Mexico to hunt for Pancho Villa, a revolutionary leader who was accused of raiding across the border.
The consequences of the Roosevelt Corollary were significant:
1. Increased American Influence: The corollary extended the United States’ influence in Latin America and gave it a dominant role in shaping the region’s political and economic development.
2. Anti-American Sentiment: The interventions and occupations under the Roosevelt Corollary created resentment and anti-American sentiment in many Latin American countries.
3. Instability and Interventionism: The corollary set the stage for a century of interventionism in Latin America, with the United States justifying its actions based on the Monroe Doctrine and the need to maintain order.
Historical Significance
The Roosevelt Corollary had a profound impact on the history of Latin America:
1. Defining the Monroe Doctrine: The corollary expanded the scope of the Monroe Doctrine, giving the United States a greater role in the affairs of Latin America.
2. Shaping American Foreign Policy: The corollary became a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the early 20th century, justifying military interventions and undermining the sovereignty of Latin American nations.
3. Legacy of Interventionism: The Roosevelt Corollary established a pattern of American involvement in Latin America that continued for decades, leading to a complex and often contentious relationship between the United States and the region.
4. Continued Debate: The legacy of the Roosevelt Corollary remains a topic of debate, with historians and policymakers still discussing its implications for American foreign policy and the sovereignty of Latin American nations.
