Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy Toward Latin America: 1920-1940

Overview

The early decades of the twentieth century saw significant changes in how the United States approached its relationship with neighboring Latin American countries. Direct military interventions, which were common between 1900 and 1920, became markedly less frequent after that period. This shift was part of a broader trend towards the U.S. adopting a more cooperative stance under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbour” policy. By recognizing the evolving dynamics in Latin America and elsewhere, the United States transitioned from an aggressive interventionist role to one focused on diplomatic engagement and mutual security.

Context

During the early twentieth century, the Monroe Doctrine guided U.S. foreign policy towards Latin American states with a focus on preventing European colonialism and protecting American economic interests. The Roosevelt Corollary, articulated in 1904 by President Theodore Roosevelt, further reinforced this doctrine by asserting that the United States had the right to intervene in countries within the Western Hemisphere to stabilize their finances and ensure orderly government, effectively making Latin America a U.S.-dominated region. By the early 20th century, however, domestic economic conditions and international relations were changing, leading to a shift towards a more diplomatic approach.

Timeline

• 1904: Theodore Roosevelt’s Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine asserts U.S. interventionist rights in Latin America.
• 1913–1920: Twenty direct military interventions by the United States in Latin American republics, establishing protectorates in two cases (Nicaragua and Haiti).
• 1920: Beginning of a period where U.S. military involvement in Latin America decreases significantly.
• 1924: The last major direct intervention in Honduras.
• 1926: Minor U.S. intervention in Nicaragua, the only significant action after 1924.
• 1933: Franklin D. Roosevelt inaugurated as President; first use of “Good Neighbour” policy in inaugural address.
• 1936: No U.S. forces stationed anywhere in Latin American territories except for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, under agreement.
• 1932–1935: The Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay ends with significant loss of life but also increased diplomatic engagement among South American nations.
• 1936: Declaration of Latin American neutrality in World War II begins to shape regional security policies.
• 1938: U.S. cruiser sent to Montevideo to support Uruguayan government against Nazi influence.

Key Terms and Concepts

Monroe Doctrine: A policy articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, which warned European powers not to establish new colonies or interfere with states in the Americas.

Roosevelt Corollary: An extension of the Monroe Doctrine made by Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserting that the United States had a responsibility to intervene militarily in Latin American countries to maintain stability and prevent European intervention.

Good Neighbour Policy: Foreign policy initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt emphasizing non-intervention and cooperation between the U.S. and Latin American nations.

Mutual Security System: A diplomatic approach aimed at fostering cooperative security arrangements among nations, rather than unilateral interventions.

Key Figures and Groups

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945): As President of the United States from 1933 to 1945, he shifted U.S. foreign policy towards a “Good Neighbour” approach in Latin America, emphasizing diplomatic cooperation.

Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909): His administration’s corollary to the Monroe Doctrine expanded American interventionist rights in Latin America, reflecting the early 20th-century dominance of U.S. influence over its southern neighbors.

Mechanisms and Processes

-> Increased economic interdependence -> Reduced need for direct military interventions -> Growing international tension (WWII) -> Diplomatic engagement as a means to counteract European influences -> Latin American national sovereignty movements -> Mutual security agreements fostering regional cooperation

Deep Background

The early 20th century saw the United States emerging as a major economic and political power, with significant influence over its southern neighbors. The Roosevelt Corollary solidified this dominance by asserting the right to intervene militarily in Latin America for financial stability and governance enforcement. However, by the 1930s, internal pressures such as domestic economic concerns and external challenges like rising international conflicts led to a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America. President Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbour” policy was part of this shift, reflecting a recognition that direct military interventions were no longer effective or necessary in maintaining regional stability.

Explanation and Importance

The shift from aggressive interventionism to a more cooperative stance under the “Good Neighbour” policy marked a significant turning point in U.S.-Latin American relations. It acknowledged changing international dynamics and growing Latin American nationalism, aligning with broader trends towards multilateral cooperation rather than unilateral dominance. This change was crucial as it helped establish a framework for mutual security that recognized the sovereignty of Latin American nations while maintaining U.S. strategic interests.

Comparative Insight

This shift can be compared to similar changes in colonial powers’ attitudes towards their colonies during World War II, reflecting broader trends towards decolonization and greater international cooperation. The move from unilateral intervention to diplomatic engagement also parallels shifts in European foreign policies as they grappled with the challenges of post-war global politics.

Extended Analysis

Economic Factors: Economic interdependence between the U.S. and Latin America influenced policy shifts, making direct military interventions less beneficial for both parties. International Relations: Growing international tensions led to a need for cooperative security systems that could counteract potential European or Axis powers’ influence in the region. Latin American Nationalism: Rising nationalism within Latin American countries made continued interventionism increasingly unpopular and politically untenable.

Quiz

Open Thinking Questions

• How might U.S.-Latin American relations have been different if the “Good Neighbour” policy had not been implemented?
• What were some long-term effects of the shift from direct military intervention to diplomatic engagement in Latin America?

Conclusion

The period between 1920 and 1940 saw a fundamental transformation in U.S. foreign policy towards its Latin American neighbors, moving away from aggressive interventionism towards a more cooperative approach under the “Good Neighbour” policy. This shift reflected changing international dynamics and growing Latin American nationalism, setting the stage for a new era of regional diplomacy and mutual security.