Topic > The Roosevelt Corollary and the Monroe Doctrine: The Assertion of US Power in the Western Hemisphere

What was the intent of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine? What was its impact on the role of the United States in the Western Hemisphere? The Monroe Doctrine, named after President James Monroe, was implemented to continue to keep the newly independent areas of Latin America free from European interference. The Monroe Doctrine allowed the United States to maintain its influence in the area and stated that any act of aggression in North or South America by European powers would be grounds for intervention by the United States. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe United States sought power in the Caribbean to have quick access to any part of the world across the ocean, as part of the “speak softly and carry a big stick” character of the US Navy. To achieve this objective, Roosevelt had Congress approve an agreement for the purchase of the Panama Canal for 10 million dollars and a future payment of 250,000 dollars per year, an agreement however politely rejected by the Colombian government. The refusal did not please Roosevelt, who believed that the Panama Canal was essential to future U.S. operations (Henretta, Edwards, & Self, 2012 p. 640). Roosevelt initially considered a military operation to seize Panama from the government, but believed that this action would be considered unfavorable by many parties; Roosevelt would instead use a more subtle method of aggression. The United States secretly financed and supported an independent movement against the Colombian government, which would prove successful. After the fall of the Colombian government, the United States officially recognized the government of Panama. Roosevelt would use the instability of the region to implement and apply the Roosevelt Corollary (Henretta, Edwards, & Self, 2012 p. 640). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom EssayRoosevelt Corollary took the idea that the United States would protect Latin American countries and their independence from European aggression and abandoned it in favor of a policy that would allow the United States to regulate affairs throughout the Caribbean . The Roosevelt Corollary was in no way considered a treaty, but an act of aggression that allowed the United States to intervene in affairs whenever it saw fit. These acts allow the United States to strengthen its military position in the Western Hemisphere (Henretta, Edwards, & Self, 2012 p.. 640).