What motivated the U.S. to intervene in Latin America in the early 20th century?

The motivation behind U.S. intervention in Latin America during the early 20th century was primarily to protect American economic interests and maintain regional stability. This period was marked by the implementation of policies such as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted the U.S. right to intervene in Latin American nations to prevent European intervention and maintain order.

The United States was heavily invested in the economies of various Latin American countries, particularly in industries like agriculture, mining, and oil. By intervening, the U.S. aimed to create favorable economic conditions that would protect these investments from instability or foreign control. The belief was that a stable and pro-American government in these nations would ensure that U.S. businesses could operate without fear of disruption, further solidifying America's economic interests in the region.

This approach signified a broader trend of American imperialism during this era, where economic motivations were often linked to strategic and political considerations, promoting a vision of a "stable" hemisphere that aligned with U.S. interests.