Critical Thinking 18-4 #3

During the early 1900's, America decided to remind Europe of the Monroe Doctrine. President James Monroe stated in 1823 that European nations had to stay out of the affairs of the western hemisphere, particularly those of Latin America. President Roosevelt noticed that Latin American countries had made deals with European banks, which could result in Europe intervening in western affairs. To strengthen the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt added the Roosevelt Corollary, which was also known as his "Big Stick Policy" because of the proverb it was based on: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." This policy announced to the world that America had a right to use force in order to protect its interests in Latin America. This basically made the United States the police of the western hemisphere.
Later, President Woodrow Wilson made another change to the Monroe Doctrine in adding a moral message to it. Wilson claimed that it was the United States' responsibility to police Latin America, and that governments should not be recognized if they were oppressive or hostile, encouraging countries to adopt democratic governments. Wilson's policy was similar to Roosevelt's because they were both formed for the purpose of improving the Monroe Doctrine. However, they were applied in different ways. Roosevelt's policy seemed more like a warning or threat, probably to emphasize the fact that America had power. Wilson's was more of a statement of fact and morals, and this policy was tested by the Mexican Revolution. The policy proved to be effective, but it also slightly detracted from the message that America had the right police Latin America only because it had the power to so.