U.S. Intervention

Definition

U.S. intervention refers to the involvement of the United States in the political, military, or economic affairs of Latin American countries, often to influence their governance or protect American interests. This intervention frequently manifested through military actions, economic aid, and support for specific regimes, particularly during the rise of military regimes in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. U.S. intervention in Latin America became more pronounced after World War II as part of a broader strategy to contain communism during the Cold War.
2. The United States often supported military coups against democratically elected governments, most notably in Chile in 1973, which led to the rise of Augusto Pinochet's regime.
3. Economic policies imposed by the U.S., such as structural adjustment programs, were frequently a condition for financial aid, impacting local economies and governance.
4. Military aid and training were provided to Latin American governments that aligned with U.S. interests, often resulting in human rights abuses under authoritarian regimes.
5. The impact of U.S. intervention has led to long-term consequences in Latin American politics, including instability and a legacy of distrust towards American foreign policy.

Review Questions

• How did U.S. intervention shape the political landscape of Latin America during the rise of military regimes?
  • U.S. intervention significantly shaped the political landscape by supporting military coups and authoritarian regimes that aligned with American interests. For instance, the U.S. backed the overthrow of Chile's democratically elected President Salvador Allende in 1973, resulting in Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship. This intervention was justified under the pretext of preventing the spread of communism but ultimately contributed to widespread human rights violations and political repression.
• What role did economic aid play in U.S. intervention strategies in Latin America during this period?
  • Economic aid was a crucial tool for U.S. intervention strategies, often tied to conditions that required recipient countries to implement specific economic reforms aligned with U.S. interests. These structural adjustment programs aimed at stabilizing economies but frequently led to social unrest and exacerbated inequality. By leveraging financial support, the U.S. sought to promote stability and discourage leftist movements, while also ensuring favorable conditions for American businesses operating in the region.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of U.S. intervention on the relationships between Latin American countries and the United States.
  • The long-term implications of U.S. intervention have fostered a complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and resentment. While some regimes benefited from American support, many citizens experienced oppression and instability as a direct result of these interventions. This legacy has bred distrust towards the U.S., complicating diplomatic relations and fostering anti-American sentiments across various Latin American nations, which continue to influence contemporary political dynamics.

Related terms

Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from the late 1940s to the early 1990s that influenced U.S. intervention in Latin America to counter communist influence.

Operation Condor: A campaign of political repression and state terror involving coordinated efforts among South American governments, supported by the U.S. to eliminate leftist movements and opposition.

Proxy War: A conflict where two opposing countries or parties support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly, often seen in U.S. involvement in Latin America during the Cold War.