When the US was a new country they did not believe in interfering with the business of other countries. Under President James Monroe the US issued the Monroe Doctrine. This said that Europe should not interfere in LatinAmerica.
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The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine: 1905
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Section 2
However, as the US began to gain more territory, President Teddy Roosevelt decided to expand the Monroe Doctrine and issued the Roosevelt Corollary. This claimed the right of the UnitedStates to intervene in LatinAmerica in order to preserve peace and economic interests.
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Speak Softly,�But Carry a Big Stick!
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Section 3
Many Latin Americans resented this interference in their affairs, but at the time were not strong enough to stop American influence.
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Section 4
Roosevelt believed in using militarypower in order to protect national interests. The United States would use militarystrength to either support or overthrow governments depending upon what the US felt would best serve its interests. This gave the US the right to be an international police force in Latin America.