What was one of the main reasons U.S. businessmen sought to trade with Latin America?

One of the main reasons U.S. businessmen sought to trade with Latin America was access to valuable natural resources. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States experienced significant industrial growth, creating a high demand for raw materials such as sugar, rubber, copper, and oil. Latin America, rich in these resources, presented an attractive opportunity for U.S. investors and companies eager to secure supplies that could drive their manufacturing processes and fuel economic expansion.

This focus on natural resources was pivotal not only for the economic interests of American businesses but also influenced U.S. foreign policy, leading to initiatives that aimed to establish stronger economic ties and, in some instances, direct control over resources in the region. The pursuit of these natural resources often motivated broader imperialistic strategies, as the U.S. sought to gain a foothold in an area that was both geographically and economically significant.