Latin America “Big Stick” diplomacy – Created by President Roosevelt – Use a strong military to achieve America’s goals – Use all of your advantages to become an international leader

Latin America Puerto Rico – Remained under US military control after the Spanish-American War – The Foraker Act established a civil government in Puerto Rico and was the first of several steps towards citizens gaining citizenship rights – Remains a territory of the United States today (voted towards statehood in 2012)

Latin America Cuba – The Teller Amendment prevented the US from colonizing Cuba after the war, but troops remained on the island until 1902 – The US was concerned that other world powers would use the island as a base of operations – Passed the Platt Amendment Prevented Cuba from signing treaties with any other nation without US approval US could use Cuban naval stations US could intervene to preserve order in Cuba

Latin America The Panama Canal – The French had tried (and failed) to build a canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in Panama for year – When the US gained control of the canal rights, Columbia (in control of Panama at the time) refused to let construction begin – Roosevelt sent a fleet of ships to Panama to help the uprising over Columbia It worked! Panama became independent and a deal was reached for construction to begin

Latin America The Panama Canal – Opened in 1914, cutting 8,000 nautical miles off the trip from the west coast to the east coast of the United States – Led to scientific breakthroughs in battling tropical diseases

Latin America Updates to policy – Latin American countries were struggling to pay debts to European powers, leading to armed tension in the region – Required an update to the Monroe Doctrine by the United States Roosevelt Corollary: in situations where European nations were justified in using military force against a Latin American country, the US would serve the role as a police power and restore order

Latin America Updates to policy – President Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy” Increase American investments in business and banks throughout Latin America Invest in plantations, mines, oil, rail Prepared to use military intervention, when necessary

Latin America Updates to policy – Americans were growing tired of the amount of money and military force that was being used in Latin America – The election of President Wilson in 1912 marked a shift in foreign policy once again “Moral Diplomacy”: The US would never conquer another nation, but would instead work to promote human rights, national integrity, and opportunity Did not fully prevent military intervention

Latin America Mexico – Had spent years under a system of control by a small, wealthy class of landowners – Several shifts in power occurred, eventually backed by American military intervention in 1914 – American support could not sustain the new government, leading to another rebellion led by Francisco “Pancho” Villa – Villa invaded New Mexico, killing Americans and leading 10,000 American troops on a chase for almost a year – America eventually withdrew from Mexico due to the escalation of WWI in Europe

Guiding Question How did the United States become a global power?