How did the US intervene in Latin America in the mid 1800s?

Answer 1

The United States became involved in the politics of Latin American in several ways. Events leading to the partial domination of the Western Hemisphere by the United States were complicated. In one sense, the European development of the New World, in the centuries prior to the existence of the United States were a factor in American policies.

Spanish dominance in the Caribbean, Mexico and South America, were for the most part unchallenged during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. All that began to wane because of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. The affect of Napoleon on the United States cannot be underestimated. His sale in 1803, of the vast territory it claimed in North America, became the famous Louisiana Purchase. This almost doubled the size of the United States.

Spain's attention in not becoming part of a new French empire, diverted its attention to her colonies in the New World.

Numerous Spanish colonies rebelled against Spain. They declared their independence and established democratic governments and republican constitutions. By 1823, there was a chance that Spain among other European powers sought to regain lost territories in Latin America.

The British sharply opposed plans of reconquest. The British Empire, turned attention to the Western Hemisphere. Profitable trade had developed with the new nations. A return to Spanish power there would be damaging in an economic manner. With that said, Britain favored Latin American independence.

As an aside, Britain retained control of important areas of the Western Hemisphere, Canada being one of its possessions, along with islands in the West Indies.

In 1923, the United States was not a strong military power. The main advantage was a geopolitical one. The last thing the USA wanted was a return of Spain to South America or worse, Mexico.

As an aside, it should be noted that France, among other European powers would make attempts to reinforce its power in the Western Hemisphere. France in Mexico (1865 ) British attempts to sign a treaty with Texas, and claims by Britain on California.

Making a stand with little to back it up came US President Monroe. With little power of enforcement, Monroe with Congressional support, in 1823, issued the Monroe Doctrine.

The Doctrine stated that the Western Hemisphere was closed to European colonization. And, any attempts by Europeans to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere would be considered "dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States".

With that said, the United States became involved with Latin America in several more important ways:

* The 1845 Mexican War gave what is the US Southwest and California to America;

* After British and Mexican efforts in Texas, Texas was annexed by the USA and became a State;

* In 1865, France's attempt to create a puppet government in Mexico was terminated;

* In 1898, the Spanish American War forced Spain to give up Cuba;

* In the early years of the 20th century, the USA collaborated with rebels in the panama section of Columbia, to create an independent Panama. This was a "deal" so that the US could build the Panama Canal;

*Made the half hearted attempt to overthrow the communist government in Cuba;

* Assisted South American governments in killing Che Guevara , who was attempting to

* The US used its influence in Chile to overturn the democratically elected communist party government in control of Chile;

* Ended attempts in Nicaragua to form a communist government; and

* Entered Panama to arrest its leader for drug dealing and tried him in an American Court.

Answer 2

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