How did the United States respond to independence movements in Latin America?

The United States responded to Latin American independence movements with a mix of support, intervention, and policy formulation.

In the early 19th century, the United States was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of Latin American nations from their European colonisers. This was largely due to the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, which asserted that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonisation and any attempt to interfere with the political affairs of the newly independent nations would be seen as a hostile act against the United States. This doctrine was a significant step in establishing the United States as a protector of the Western Hemisphere and was a clear indication of its support for Latin American independence movements.

However, the United States' response to Latin American independence movements was not always supportive. In many instances, the United States intervened in the internal affairs of these nations to protect its economic and strategic interests. For example, in the early 20th century, the United States intervened in several Caribbean and Central American countries, such as Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, to protect American businesses and maintain stability in the region. These interventions were often justified under the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted the United States' right to intervene in the affairs of Latin American nations to prevent European intervention.

The United States also responded to Latin American independence movements by formulating policies that aimed to foster economic and political stability in the region. The Good Neighbour Policy, implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, was a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America. This policy renounced the right to military intervention and emphasised cooperation and mutual respect between the United States and Latin American nations. However, the policy was not always successful in achieving its goals, and the United States continued to intervene in Latin America during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism.

In conclusion, the United States' response to Latin American independence movements was complex and multifaceted, reflecting its evolving interests and strategies in the region.