Lesson 3: U.S. Power in Latin America

Question 1

Corollary Definition

Answer 1

an addition to an earlier stated principle

Question 2

Dollar Diplomacy Definition

Answer 2

President Taft’s policy of building strong economic ties to Latin America

Question 3

Isthmus Definition

Answer 3

a narrow strip of land that has water at each side with the strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land

Question 4

Moral Diplomacy Definition

Answer 4

President Woodrow Wilson’s policy of condemning imperialism, spreading democracy, and promoting peace

Question 5

Roosevelt Corollary Definition

Answer 5

a statement by Theodore Roosevelt that the United States had a right to intervene in Latin America to preserve law and order

Question 6

Woodrow Wilson Definition

Answer 6

Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) was the 28th president of the United States. He was a Progressive Democrat who led the nation through World War I.

Question 7

When Theodore Roosevelt became President in 1901, what did he want to do in Panama? What would be the benefits of this decision?

Answer 7

When Theodore Roosevelt became President in 1901, he was determined to build a canal through Panama in Central America. Roosevelt knew that a canal would greatly benefit American commerce and military capability. By avoiding the long trip around South America, ships could shorten the journey from New York City to San Francisco by nearly 8,000 miles. Thus, a canal would reduce the cost of shipping goods. In addition, in the event of a war, the navy could quickly move ships back and forth between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 8

What was the Isthmus of Panama, and why was it an ideal spot for the Panama Canal? What offer did Secretary of State John Hay make to Columbia to rent a strip of land across Panama?

Answer 8

A unique geographical feature, the Isthmus of Panama, provided an ideal location to build a canal. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that has water on each side with the strip of land connecting two larger bodies of land. Only 50 miles of land separated the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. To build the canal, Roosevelt had to deal with Colombia, which owned the isthmus. Roosevelt asked Secretary of State John Hay to approach Colombia. Hay offered $10 million cash plus $250,000 a year to rent a strip of land across Panama.

Question 9

How did Roosevelt respond to Columbia’s decline of his offer? What did the African proverb that Roosevelt recited often—“Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.”—mean? What did Roosevelt make known about his stance on the Panamanian and Columbian conflict?

Answer 9

When Colombia refused Roosevelt’s offer, he was furious. “I do not think the [Colombian] lot of jack rabbits should be allowed permanently to bar one of the future highways of civilization,” he exclaimed. At times like this, Roosevelt was fond of quoting an African proverb: “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.” He meant that words should be supported by strong action. Roosevelt knew that some Panamanians wanted to break away from Colombia. He made it known that he would not help Colombia suppress the rebels. In fact, he might even support the rebellion.

Question 10

What warship did America send to Colón, Panama on November 2, 1903? What did Panamanians do the next day? How did America aid in Panama becoming an independent nation? Why did Panama allow The United States to build a canal?

Answer 10

On November 2, 1903, the American warship Nashville dropped anchor in the port of Colón, Panama. The next day, Panamanians rebelled against Colombia. American forces stopped Colombian troops from crushing the revolt. Panama then declared itself an independent republic. The United States recognized the new nation at once. Panama in turn agreed to let the United States build a canal on terms similar to those it had offered to Colombia.

Question 11

Who did Theodore Roosevelt anger by his actions in Panama? What was his jubilant response to the backlash?

Answer 11

Roosevelt’s action in Panama angered many Latin Americans. It also upset some members of Congress. The President, however, proudly stated, “I took the Canal Zone and let Congress debate.”

Question 12

Now that Roosevelt had the right to build his canal, what obstacle did he have to face first?

Answer 12

Roosevelt now had the right to build his canal. However, before work could begin, Americans had to conquer a deadly enemy: disease.

Question 13

How did Panama’s climate make it a mosquito paradise? What were the two main diseases the mosquitoes carried?

Answer 13

With its tropical heat, heavy rainfall, and plentiful swamps, Panama was a “mosquito paradise.” This presented serious difficulties for the canal builders. Mosquitoes carry two of the deadliest tropical diseases: malaria and yellow fever.

Question 14

Why did Dr. William Gorgas arrive in Panama in 1905? What orders did he give to combat mosquitoes and the spread of disease? What were the results by 1906?

Answer 14

Dr. William Gorgas, an army physician, arrived in Panama in 1905 to help control the mosquitoes and the spread of disease. He ordered workers to locate all pools of water, where mosquitoes laid their eggs. Day after day, the workers drained swamps, sprayed tons of insecticide, and spread oil on stagnant water to kill mosquito eggs. By 1906, Gorgas had won his battle. Yellow fever disappeared from Panama. Malaria cases dropped dramatically. Work on the Panama Canal could proceed.

Question 15

Under the supervision of Colonel George Goethals, what was the process of building the Panama Canal? Which group made up the majority of the workers? What happened when it was completed in 1914?

Answer 15

Under the supervision of army engineer Colonel George Goethals, more than 40,000 workers struggled to dig the canal. Most were blacks from the West Indies. They blasted a path through mountains and carved out the largest artificial lake in the world at that time. In all, they removed more than 200 million cubic yards of earth. Then, they built gigantic locks to raise and lower ships as they passed through the canal. Finally, in 1914, the first ocean-going steamship traveled through the Panama Canal.

Question 16

What were the benefits of the Panama Canal on other nations and America? Why did South American nations despise it?

Answer 16

The new waterway helped the trade of many nations. American merchants and manufacturers benefited most. They could now ship goods cheaply to South America and Asia. However, many Latin American nations remained bitter about the way in which the United States had gained control of the canal.

Question 17

What did the Panama Canal do for the United States involvement in Latin America? Gradually, what did President Roosevelt and following presidents do?

Answer 17

The Panama Canal involved the United States more than ever in Latin America. Gradually, President Roosevelt and succeeding Presidents established a policy of intervening in Latin America. The United States was especially concerned when disturbances threatened American lives, property, and interests.

Question 18

In 1902, why did several European countries send warships to Venezuela? Why did America interfere?

Answer 18

In 1902, several European countries sent warships to force Venezuela to repay its debts. The United States did not want Europeans to interfere in Latin America. President Roosevelt decided that the United States must step in to keep Europeans out. He declared:

If we intend to say ‘Hands off’ to the powers of Europe, then sooner or later we must keep order ourselves.

—Theodore Roosevelt, quoted in T. R.: The Last Romantic (Brands)

Question 19

What was Roosevelt’s corollary, or addition, to the Monroe doctrine in 1904? What is the Roosevelt Corollary?

Answer 19

In 1904, Roosevelt announced an important corollary, or addition, to the Monroe Doctrine. He claimed that the United States had a right to intervene in Latin America to preserve law and order. By using what he called “international police power,” the United States could force Latin Americans to pay their debts to foreign nations. It would also keep those nations from meddling in Latin American affairs. For the next 20 years, Presidents used the Roosevelt Corollary to intervene in Latin America.

Question 20

How were William Howard Taft’s view on South American affairs similar to Roosevelt’s? What was his policy of Dollar Diplomacy?

Answer 20

Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft, also favored a strong role in Latin America. However, he wanted to “substitute dollars for bullets.” He urged American bankers to invest in Latin America. Taft’s policy of building strong economic ties to Latin America became known as dollar diplomacy.

Question 21

How did American investors respond to Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy? What were the benefits of their reforms?

Answer 21

American investors responded eagerly. They helped build roads, railroads, and harbors in Latin America. These improvements increased trade, benefiting both the United States and local governments. The new railroads, for example, brought minerals and other resources to Latin American ports. From there, they were shipped all over the world.

Question 22

What were the negatives of Dollar Diplomacy?

Answer 22

Dollar diplomacy created problems, too. American businesses, such as the United Fruit Company, often meddled in the political affairs of host countries. Sometimes, the United States used military force to keep order. In 1912, when a revolution erupted in Nicaragua, the United States sent in marines to protect American investments.

Question 23

How was President Woodrow Wilson’s beliefs about South America different from Taft’s and Roosevelt’s? What was his policy of moral diplomacy?

Answer 23

The next President, Woodrow Wilson, condemned the heavy-handed foreign policy of earlier Presidents. “The force of America,” he said, “is the force of moral principle.” The goals of Wilson’s moral diplomacy were to condemn imperialism, spread democracy, and promote peace.

Question 24

How did Woodrow Wilson not follow Moral Diplomacy at times?

Answer 24

Nevertheless, Wilson ordered military intervention in Latin America more than any prior President. He sent marines to quell disturbances in Haiti in 1915 and in the Dominican Republic in 1916. American troops remained in Haiti until 1934. The United States declared that its troops were restoring order and guarding American lives and property. Still, many Latin Americans denounced the United States for invading their countries and interfering in their internal affairs.

Question 25

When was Moral Diplomacy put to the test in Mexico?

Answer 25

Moral diplomacy faced its greatest test in Mexico. Porfirio Díaz, Mexico’s president from 1884 to 1911, welcomed American investment. By 1912, Americans had invested about $1 billion to develop mines, oil wells, railroads, and ranches. Yet, most Mexicans remained poor. They worked the land of a few wealthy families, receiving very little for their labor.

Question 26

Who replaced President Díaz after a Mexican Rebellion in 1910? Who later assassinated and replaced him?

Answer 26

Mexicans rebelled against Díaz in 1910. The new leader, Francisco Madero, promised democratic reform. Then, in 1913, Madero was himself overthrown and killed by General Victoriano Huerta (WEHR tuh). As civil war raged, Wilson refused to recognize what he called Huerta’s “government of butchers.”

Question 27

What attempts did Wilson make to remain neutral? What event made the U.S. intervene?

Answer 27

Wilson tried to stay neutral. He hoped that Mexico would develop a democratic government without American interference. As Huerta’s dictatorship grew more brutal, Wilson authorized the sale of arms to Huerta’s rival, Venustiano Carranza. Finally, a minor incident led to American intervention. In 1914, Huerta’s troops arrested several American sailors. The sailors were quickly released and an apology issued. Still, Wilson ordered the United States Navy to occupy the Mexican port of Veracruz. Rallied by the American show of strength, Carranza’s forces drove Huerta from power. The United States troops withdrew.

Question 28

After the overthrowing of Huerta, what did General Francisco “Pancho” Villa hope to do? How did his plan of killing Americans backfire?

Answer 28

Still, civil war continued in Mexico. Now, General Francisco “Pancho” Villa hoped to overthrow Carranza. The United States supported Carranza.
In January 1916, Villa’s soldiers removed 17 American citizens from a train in Mexico and shot them. In March, Villa raided the town of Columbus, New Mexico, killing 18 Americans. He hoped that his actions would weaken relations between the United States and the Carranza government. But the plan backfired.

Question 29

What did America do in response to General Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s killings? What was the turn out?

Answer 29

Wilson sent General John J. Pershing with an army of several thousand soldiers into Mexico to capture Villa. When Mexico demanded that the troops be withdrawn, Wilson refused. Still, both Wilson and Carranza resisted calls for war. After 11 months, Wilson ordered Pershing to withdraw without capturing Villa. The United States had again shown its willingness to use force to protect its interests. The incident strained relations with Mexico.

Question 30

How did American imperialism and role in foreign affairs change?

Answer 30

As United States troops headed home from Mexico, many Americans realized that their nation’s role in world affairs had dramatically changed over the years. Now, the United States stationed troops and ships in both Asia and Latin America. American business interests spanned the globe. At the same time, an enormous war had begun in Europe in 1914. With its increased role in international affairs, the United States would find it impossible to stay out of the conflict.