1. U.S. Economic Imperialism in Latin America

2. Background
Latin America was once in the hands of European powers but eventually became independent.
The long struggle for independence left the new nations in crumbles.
Political instability and clashing social classes.
The economy grew however, the nations borrowed money from other countries and were not able to pay them back.

3. Factors for imperialism
Economic interest
When the nations couldn’t pay back the loans, the providers threatened to forcefully collect the debt or take over the facility it had funded.
Foreigners gained control of many of the industries in Latin America.

4. The United States of America
Who invaded?
The United States of America
Conquered… (direct)
Puerto Rico
Guam
Philippines
Northern third of former Mexico (now California and American southwest)
Texas
Intervened in… (indirect)
Cuba
Panama Canal
Central and South American countries (Roosevelt Corollary)

5. Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary
U.S. Influence
Panama Canal
Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary
The Panama Canal was built by Americans in the early 18th century. Many of the workers died during the construction, due to diseases and such but the canal is now considered one of the world’s greatest engineering accomplishments and the U.S. controls it. It allows for extremely faster travel and trade because traveling all the way around South America is not necessary anymore.
The United States decided to issue a doctrine so that European countries could not reconquer the new republics, including itself. However the addition to the Monroe Doctrine, the Roosevelt Corollary states that the United States has the right to be an “international police power” in the Western Hemisphere. Americans however used this to intervene in Latin American affairs.

6. Conflict… Spanish-American War
Cubans fight war against Spain for independence
U.S. joins Cuba and defeats the Spanish easily
Cuba becomes independent however, the U.S. still intervened
The Texas Revolt
American colonist moved to Texas, a Mexican territory
Tensions arose between colonists and Mexicans – U.S. revolted
Mexicans were defeated and the U.S. eventually annexed Texas

7. Effects: Positive
U.S. controlled the Panama Canal which became a major trading region, for both hemispheres.
The United States became a giant country with a great deal of influence in other regions.
U.S. brought sanitation and material progress to the regions in intervened in, such as the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras

8. Effects: Negative Latin Americans protested the U.S. intervention
In Mexico, political instability and unhappy citizens led to civil war
Railroads in Argentina, controlled by Britain, did not allow the poor to benefit

9. What has happened since?
Cuba became officially independent
United States became even more of a leading power
Panama took over the canal in 1999

10. Former Mexico
United States today

11. Overall…
Imperialism in Latin America had more disadvantages than it had advantages. So much conflict was created because of U.S. economic imperialism. As well as tensions between resistant inhabitants that led to war.