The United States and Latin America Chapter 20 Section 3 The United States and Latin America

Linking the Oceans Takes 2 months to travel from San Francisco to Cuba. Around the tip of South America Link Pacific and Atlantic through Central America

Choosing a Site Isthmus of Panama is 50 miles wide Panama owned by Colombia Roosevelt pays $10 Million and $250,000 yearly for U.S. to build canal.

Colombia opposes the deal Deal would give the U.S. control over 6 – mile- wide stretch of Colombian territory. Roosevelt didn’t want to wait for Colombia’s approval.

Revolt in Panama Roosevelt knew Panamanians disliked Colombian rule. Roosevelt let Panamanians know that the U.S. would help if they claimed independence.

Revolt in Panama Nov. 3, 1903 – U.S. gunboats waited in harbor to support rebels U.S. Marines invade Colon to prevent Colombian troops from reaching Panama City “gunboat diplomacy” U.S. recognizes independence of Panama, gains permanent use and control of 10-mile wide zone across isthmus of Panama

Panama Canal Construction started in 1904 Malaria, Yellow Fever needed to be controlled. William c. Gorgas discovered that Mosquitos carry disease Workers clear brush/swamps to decrease disease.

The “Big Ditch” Construction Cut through mountains Dam a river Erect canal’s giant locks Workers were African descent, some 6,000 lost their lives Completed Aug 15, 1914

Wielding a “big Stick” in Latin America “speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” U.S. to become leader in western hemisphere Europeans wanted to collect overdue debts from Dominican Republic Roosevelt responds

Roosevelt Corollary When neighbors of the U.S. get in fights with foreign nations, U.S. has power to “exercise … an international police power” to restore order. Roosevelt sends troops to D.R. and took over country’s finances.

Dollar Diplomacy Taft urged bankers/businessmen to invest in Asia/Latin America. Same as Roosevelt Corollary? Nicaragua, Haiti, Honduras.

Relations with Mexico U.S. should support and nurture democracy throughout the World. Wilsons Practices “watchful Waiting.” 1914 – U.s. soldiers arrested in Mexico, although they were released Wilson sent in Navy. 100 Mexicans died

Relations with Mexico