How did the U.S. become involved in the Dominican Republic?

The involvement of the United States in the Dominican Republic primarily stemmed from the desire to stabilize its finances and secure U.S. interests in the region. In the early 20th century, the Dominican Republic was experiencing significant political instability and financial turmoil, which posed a threat to the economic interests of the U.S., especially following the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. This corollary justified American intervention in Latin America to prevent European powers from interfering in the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere.

To avoid European intervention and protect American investments, the U.S. intervened in the Dominican Republic by establishing control over its customs and finances in 1905. This action effectively placed the Dominican Republic under the de facto control of the U.S. government, allowing it to manage the country's debts and maintain order. Thus, the United States’ intervention was a strategic move to guarantee its preferred political and economic landscape in the Caribbean, particularly during the period characterized by increasing imperialistic ambitions.