What was Roosevelt’s Corollary to Monroe Doctrine? What was the effect of it on the US’s Western Hemisphere role?
Monroe Doctrine, named for President James Monroe, was put into effect to help Latin America remain independent from European interference. The Monroe Doctrine permitted the United States to preserve its control over the area. It stated that any European power acting aggressively in North or South America would result in American intervention.
The United States wanted to control the Caribbean so that they could have fast access to other parts of the globe via the ocean. This was Roosevelt’s “speak softly” approach to the United States Navy. Roosevelt tried to get Congress to approve a Panama Canal purchase for 10 million dollars. The future payments would have been 250,000 dollars annually. However, the Colombian government graciously rebuffed this offer. Roosevelt was not happy with the rejection. He felt that the Panama Canal was vital to the future operations of the United States. The United States coveredtly supported a rebel movement against the Colombian Government, which was ultimately successful. After the fall of the Colombian regime, the United States recognized Panama’s government. Roosevelt would use instability in the region to enact Roosevelt Corollary and enforce it (Henretta, Edwards & Self, 2012 p. 640).
Roosevelt’s Corollary dismissed the notion that America would protect Latin American nations and their independence against European aggression. Instead, it favored a policy which allowed the United States control over the Caribbean. The Roosevelt Corollary is not considered a treaty. However, it was an act of aggressive intervention that allowed the United States access to all aspects of international affairs. These acts enable the United States in strengthening its military power in the western hemisphere.