The Roosevelt Corollary was an addition to the Monroe Doctrine articulated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. It stated that the United States had the right to intervene in the internal affairs of Latin American countries in cases of chronic wrongdoing or instability, in order to maintain order and prevent European intervention in the Western Hemisphere. This corollary expanded the Monroe Doctrine by justifying active U.S. intervention and policing in Latin America, asserting the U.S. as the dominant power in the region. It was motivated by events such as the Venezuelan crisis of 1902–1903 and reflected Roosevelt's "Big Stick" foreign policy approach, emphasizing American exceptionalism and responsibility in hemispheric affairs.
Background and Purpose
The Roosevelt Corollary arose after European powers blockaded Venezuela in 1902 when Venezuela defaulted on debts. Roosevelt sought to prevent such European military involvement in Latin America in the future by declaring that the U.S. would act as an international police power. The corollary was designed to ensure stability and prevent European intervention by allowing the U.S. to intervene first in cases of wrongdoing or instability in Latin American nations.
Policy Content
Roosevelt stated that countries in the Western Hemisphere that maintained order and met obligations would not face interference. However, chronic wrongdoing or impotence in governance could force the U.S., reluctantly, to intervene. This marked a shift from the Monroe Doctrine's original defensive stance to a more aggressive policy where the U.S. would intervene proactively to maintain stability and protect its interests.
Significance
The Roosevelt Corollary established the U.S. as the "policeman" of the Western Hemisphere and paved the way for numerous interventions in Latin America throughout the 20th century. It represented a significant step in U.S. emergence as a global power with hemispheric dominance. However, it also faced criticism for imperialistic overtones and for undermining Latin American sovereignty.
This policy remained influential until the 1930s when President Franklin D. Roosevelt replaced it with the Good Neighbor policy, emphasizing non- intervention and cooperation instead.
