Overview of US Interventions in Latin America

 

The United States has a long history of intervening in Latin America and the Caribbean, often justified by the Monroe Doctrine (1823), which declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European recolonization but evolved into a rationale for US dominance. Theodore Roosevelt's 1904 Corollary asserted the US right to act as regional "policeman," frequently to protect economic interests (e.g., United Fruit Company) or counter perceived threats like communism during the Cold War. Interventions ranged from direct military invasions ("Banana Wars," 1898–1930s) to covert CIA-backed coups, with at least 41 successful regime changes from 1898–1994. Motivations included economic gains, anti-communism, and strategic denial of influence to rivals.Critics view these as imperialistic, leading to instability, dictatorships, human rights abuses, and anti-US resentment. Proponents argue some stabilized regions or prevented worse outcomes, though many resulted in long-term authoritarianism and inequality.

Late 19th–Early 20th Century (Banana Wars)

Spanish-American War (1898): US gains Puerto Rico, intervenes in Cuba.

Panama (1903): US supports independence from Colombia for canal.

Occupations: Haiti (1915–1934), Dominican Republic (1916–1924), Nicaragua (1912–1933).

Protect business interests (e.g., fruit companies); establish US hegemony.

Outcomes: Long occupations, resentment; Platt Amendment limited Cuban sovereignty.

Cold War Era (1940s–1980s)

Guatemala (1954): CIA coup ousts President Arbenz over land reform threatening US companies.

Brazil (1964): Support for coup against Goulart.

Dominican Republic (1965): Troops prevent leftist return.

Chile (1973): CIA aids Pinochet coup against Allende.

Argentina/Bolivia/etc.: Backed Operation Condor dictatorships.

Grenada (1983): Invasion ousts Marxist government.

Panama (1989): Invasion arrests Noriega.

Nicaragua (1980s): Funded Contras against Sandinistas.

Anti-communism; prevent "another Cuba."

Outcomes: Brutal regimes (tens of thousands killed); eventual democratization but lasting trauma.

Post-Cold War to Present

Honduras (2009): Accused tacit support of coup.

Venezuela (2019–2026): Sanctions, recognition of Guaidó; 2026 military strikes capture Maduro.

Drug war, democracy promotion, resource control (e.g., oil).

Outcomes: Ongoing instability; widespread regional condemnation of 2026 action as violation of sovereignty.

These actions, while achieving short-term US goals, often fostered authoritarianism and economic dependency, fueling anti-imperialist movements. Historical records (e.g., declassified CIA documents) confirm direct involvement in many coups, substantiating claims of interference despite official denials at the time.