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?”