The Roosevelt Corollary To The Monroe Doctrine ___

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine redefined America's role in the Western Hemisphere, shifting it from a protector to a proactive intervener. It asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American nations, fundamentally altering the relationship between the Americas and establishing a precedent that would shape US foreign policy for decades to come.

Origins of the Monroe Doctrine

To truly understand the Roosevelt Corollary, one must first delve into the origins of the Monroe Doctrine itself. In 1823, President James Monroe articulated a policy aimed at preventing further European colonization in the Americas. The core tenets of the Monroe Doctrine were simple:

• The American continents were no longer open to European colonization.
• The United States would view any attempt by European powers to extend their political system to the Americas as a threat to its peace and safety.
• The United States would not interfere in the internal affairs of European nations, nor would it meddle in existing European colonies in the Americas.

Essentially, the Monroe Doctrine was a warning to European powers to stay out of the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine was born out of a confluence of factors, including the decline of the Spanish empire, the rise of newly independent Latin American nations, and the growing sense of American nationalism. The United States, though still a relatively young and developing nation, sought to establish itself as the dominant power in the region.

For much of the 19th century, the Monroe Doctrine served as a symbolic statement of American intentions. The United States lacked the military might to enforce the doctrine unilaterally, and it often relied on the tacit support of the British Royal Navy to deter European intervention. However, as the United States grew in economic and military power, it became more assertive in its interpretation and application of the Monroe Doctrine.

The Context Leading to the Roosevelt Corollary

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a period of increasing economic and political instability in Latin America. Many nations in the region were burdened by debt, plagued by internal conflicts, and susceptible to European intervention to collect debts or protect investments. Several events created a sense of urgency that pushed Theodore Roosevelt to articulate his Corollary.

• Venezuela's Debt Crisis: In 1902, Venezuela defaulted on its debts to European powers, including Great Britain, Germany, and Italy. These powers responded by imposing a naval blockade and even shelling Venezuelan ports. This raised concerns in the United States that European powers might use debt collection as a pretext for establishing a permanent presence in the region, violating the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine.
• Santo Domingo's Financial Troubles: The Dominican Republic (then known as Santo Domingo) faced severe financial difficulties and political instability. The country was heavily indebted to European creditors, and there was a real risk of European intervention to seize control of its customs revenues.
• The Growing Influence of European Powers: The United States was wary of the increasing economic and political influence of European powers in Latin America. European investment and trade were on the rise, and the United States feared that this could lead to a loss of American influence and control in the region.

Against this backdrop, Theodore Roosevelt, a staunch believer in American power and exceptionalism, felt compelled to act. He believed that the United States had a responsibility to maintain stability in the Western Hemisphere and to prevent European intervention. He also saw an opportunity to enhance American influence and promote American interests in the region.

The Roosevelt Corollary: An Assertion of American Power

In his 1904 State of the Union address, President Theodore Roosevelt articulated what would become known as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. He stated that the United States had the right to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American nations if they were guilty of "chronic wrongdoing" or "impotence" that could invite European intervention.

Roosevelt argued that the United States, as a civilized nation, had a duty to ensure that Latin American nations met their international obligations and maintained order within their borders. He framed this intervention as a necessary measure to prevent European powers from using debt collection or other pretexts to establish a foothold in the Americas.

The core of the Roosevelt Corollary can be summarized as follows:

• The United States would act as a "policeman" in the Western Hemisphere, intervening in the affairs of Latin American nations to prevent instability and European intervention.
• The United States would ensure that Latin American nations honored their financial obligations to European creditors.
• The United States would promote stability and good governance in Latin America, preventing "chronic wrongdoing" that could invite European intervention.

Roosevelt explicitly stated that the United States had no desire for territorial expansion and that its interventions were solely aimed at maintaining stability and preventing European interference. However, the Roosevelt Corollary fundamentally altered the nature of the Monroe Doctrine. It transformed the United States from a guarantor of Latin American independence to an active intervener in the region's domestic affairs.

Justifications and Rationale Behind the Corollary

The Roosevelt Corollary was rooted in a complex mix of strategic, economic, and ideological considerations. Roosevelt and his advisors genuinely believed that the United States had a responsibility to maintain stability in the Western Hemisphere. They feared that European intervention would not only threaten American security but also undermine American economic interests in the region.

Roosevelt also held a strong belief in American exceptionalism, the idea that the United States was a uniquely virtuous and powerful nation with a special role to play in the world. He believed that the United States had a duty to spread its values of democracy and free enterprise to other nations, even if it meant intervening in their internal affairs.

Furthermore, economic factors played a significant role in shaping the Roosevelt Corollary. American businesses had substantial investments in Latin America, and the United States sought to protect these investments from political instability and European competition. By asserting its dominance in the region, the United States could create a more favorable environment for American trade and investment.

From Roosevelt's perspective, the Corollary was a pragmatic response to the challenges facing the United States in the early 20th century. He believed that it was necessary to prevent European intervention, promote stability, and protect American interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Implementation and Impact of the Roosevelt Corollary

The Roosevelt Corollary was not merely a theoretical statement of policy; it was actively implemented in Latin America during Roosevelt's presidency and beyond. The United States intervened in several Latin American nations, often using military force to achieve its objectives.

• Dominican Republic (1905-1941): The United States took control of the Dominican Republic's customs revenues to ensure that the country repaid its debts to European creditors. American administrators managed the country's finances and oversaw the maintenance of order. US Marines occupied the country from 1916 to 1924.
• Cuba (1906-1909): The United States intervened in Cuba to quell a rebellion and restore order. American troops occupied the country for several years, and the United States maintained significant influence over Cuban affairs.
• Nicaragua (1912-1933): The United States intervened in Nicaragua to support a pro-American government and suppress a rebellion. US Marines occupied the country for over two decades.
• Haiti (1915-1934): The United States intervened in Haiti after the assassination of the Haitian president. US Marines occupied the country for nearly two decades, imposing American control over Haitian politics and finances.

These interventions had a profound impact on Latin America. While the United States often claimed that its interventions were aimed at promoting stability and democracy, they often resulted in the suppression of local autonomy, the imposition of American values, and the exploitation of Latin American resources.

The Roosevelt Corollary fueled anti-American sentiment throughout Latin America. Many Latin Americans viewed the Corollary as a blatant violation of their sovereignty and a manifestation of American imperialism. The policy created a legacy of resentment and distrust that would shape US-Latin American relations for decades to come.

Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the Corollary

The Roosevelt Corollary was controversial from the outset. Critics argued that it was a violation of international law, an overreach of American power, and a threat to Latin American sovereignty.

• Violation of International Law: Many legal scholars argued that the Roosevelt Corollary was inconsistent with the principles of international law, which recognized the sovereignty and equality of nations. The Corollary asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the domestic affairs of other countries, even without their consent.
• American Imperialism: Critics accused the United States of using the Roosevelt Corollary as a pretext for pursuing its own economic and strategic interests in Latin America. They argued that the interventions were motivated by a desire to control Latin American resources, expand American markets, and maintain American dominance in the region.
• Latin American Sovereignty: Latin American leaders and intellectuals strongly condemned the Roosevelt Corollary as a violation of their sovereignty and a manifestation of American arrogance. They argued that the United States had no right to dictate the internal affairs of Latin American nations and that the Corollary undermined their ability to chart their own course.

The Roosevelt Corollary also faced criticism within the United States. Some Americans questioned the wisdom of intervening in Latin American affairs, arguing that it could lead to costly and destabilizing conflicts. Others worried that the Corollary would damage America's reputation abroad and undermine its moral standing in the world.

The Shift Away from the Roosevelt Corollary

Over time, the United States began to distance itself from the Roosevelt Corollary. The policy had become increasingly unpopular in Latin America, and it was seen as a major impediment to improving US-Latin American relations.

President Herbert Hoover initiated a shift away from interventionism in Latin America. He withdrew American troops from several countries and sought to promote a more cooperative relationship with Latin American nations.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt took this policy further with his Good Neighbor Policy. This policy emphasized non-intervention and cooperation with Latin American nations. Roosevelt renounced the right of the United States to intervene in the domestic affairs of Latin American countries and sought to build a more equal and respectful relationship with the region.

The Good Neighbor Policy marked a significant departure from the Roosevelt Corollary. While the United States continued to exert influence in Latin America, it did so through economic and diplomatic means rather than through military intervention.

Legacy and Long-Term Effects

The Roosevelt Corollary had a profound and lasting impact on US-Latin American relations. While the policy was eventually abandoned, its legacy continued to shape the relationship between the two regions for decades.

• Distrust and Resentment: The Roosevelt Corollary created a deep sense of distrust and resentment in Latin America. Many Latin Americans viewed the United States as an imperialistic power that was willing to violate their sovereignty to pursue its own interests.
• Anti-American Sentiment: The Corollary fueled anti-American sentiment throughout Latin America. This sentiment manifested itself in various ways, including protests, boycotts, and the rise of leftist political movements.
• Impact on US Foreign Policy: The Roosevelt Corollary had a lasting impact on US foreign policy. It established a precedent for American intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries, a precedent that would be invoked in various contexts throughout the 20th century.

Even after the formal abandonment of the Roosevelt Corollary, the United States continued to exert significant influence in Latin America. The Cold War saw renewed US intervention in the region, often in support of anti-communist regimes. The legacy of the Roosevelt Corollary continues to shape US-Latin American relations to this day.

Conclusion

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine represents a pivotal moment in the history of US foreign policy. It transformed the United States from a protector of Latin American independence to an active intervener in the region's domestic affairs. While the policy was intended to prevent European intervention and promote stability, it ultimately created a legacy of distrust and resentment that continues to shape US-Latin American relations. Understanding the Roosevelt Corollary is essential for understanding the complex and often fraught relationship between the United States and its southern neighbors.