Key facts and dates

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Good Neighbour Policy marked a significant shift in US foreign relations with Latin America, moving away from interventionism towards cooperation during the 1930s. This timeline captures the pivotal events and actions that defined the policy's origins and implementation.

Timeline of key events

• March 1933 – FDR announces the Good Neighbour Policy in his inaugural address.
• 1933 – Withdrawal of US Marines from Nicaragua, ending military intervention.
• 1934 – US Marines withdrawn from Haiti, reinforcing non-intervention stance.
• 1934 – Abrogation of the Platt Amendment, granting Cuba greater sovereignty.
• 1934 – Creation of the Export-Import Bank to finance Latin American development.
• 1939 – Panama Conference promotes hemispheric solidarity against Axis threats.

Origins of the Good Neighbour Policy

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), upon taking office in 1933, introduced the Good Neighbour Policy as a transformative approach to US relations with Latin America. Announced in his inaugural address on 4 March 1933, this policy aimed to foster mutual respect and cooperation, contrasting sharply with the aggressive tactics of earlier administrations.

Historical context of US-Latin American relations

• Previous interventionist policies - Before FDR, the US often relied on military intervention and economic dominance in Latin America. Policies like the "Big Stick" approach under Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) emphasised direct military action to assert influence, while "Dollar Diplomacy" under William Howard Taft (1909-1913) focused on using economic investments to control regional politics.
• Resentment in Latin America - These earlier policies created widespread distrust and resentment among Latin American nations, who viewed the US as an imperial power disregarding their sovereignty. This strained relations and hindered effective cooperation.

Motivations behind the Good Neighbour Policy

• Philosophical shift - FDR sought to redefine the US role in the Western Hemisphere by promoting equality and non-intervention. The policy was rooted in the belief that better relations could be achieved through diplomacy rather than coercion.
• Economic considerations - Amid the Great Depression, which began in 1929, the US faced severe economic challenges. Improving trade relations with Latin America was seen as a way to stimulate economic recovery by accessing new markets and resources.
• Strategic concerns - With the rise of Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) in the 1930s, there was growing concern about their potential influence in Latin America. FDR aimed to secure hemispheric unity to counter these external threats and protect US security interests.
• Desire for hemispheric solidarity - Strengthening ties with Latin American countries was crucial for creating a united front in the Western Hemisphere, ensuring collective security and mutual support in times of global uncertainty.

Philosophical departure from past policies

The Good Neighbour Policy represented a clear rejection of the interventionist doctrines that had previously defined US foreign policy in Latin America. This shift was not merely practical but deeply ideological, reflecting a new vision for international relations based on partnership.

Key differences from earlier approaches

• Rejection of the "Big Stick" policy - This earlier approach involved using military force to impose US will, as seen in interventions in Panama and the Dominican Republic. FDR's policy explicitly moved away from such overt displays of power.
• Abandonment of "Dollar Diplomacy" - Unlike Taft's strategy of leveraging economic investments to control Latin American governments, the Good Neighbour Policy prioritised equitable economic partnerships over dominance.
• Emphasis on mutual respect - FDR's approach focused on treating Latin American nations as equals, aiming to rebuild trust and foster genuine collaboration rather than enforcing US interests through coercion.

Practical applications of the Good Neighbour Policy

The Good Neighbour Policy was not just a rhetorical commitment; it was implemented through concrete actions that demonstrated the US's intent to withdraw from direct intervention and build stronger diplomatic ties.

Withdrawal of military presence

• Nicaragua (1933) - US Marines, who had been stationed in Nicaragua since 1912 to support US-friendly governments, were withdrawn in 1933, marking an early signal of non-intervention.
• Haiti (1934) - The US ended its 19-year military occupation of Haiti in 1934, fulfilling promises to respect national sovereignty and allowing Haiti greater control over its affairs.

Changes in diplomatic agreements

The abrogation of the Platt Amendment in 1934 was a significant gesture that restored greater autonomy to Cuba. This amendment, part of the 1901 Cuban constitution, had granted the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs and maintain naval bases like Guantanamo Bay. Its repeal maintained only the naval base lease while removing intervention rights.

Economic and strategic initiatives

Beyond military withdrawals and diplomatic adjustments, the Good Neighbour Policy incorporated economic measures to strengthen ties with Latin America. These initiatives were designed to support mutual growth and counter external influences as global tensions rose.

Economic cooperation efforts

• Reciprocal trade agreements - The US negotiated trade pacts with several Latin American countries to reduce tariffs and boost commerce. These agreements aimed to benefit both sides by increasing access to markets during the economic hardship of the Great Depression.
• Creation of the Export-Import Bank (1934) - Established in 1934, this bank provided loans and financial assistance for Latin American development projects. It facilitated infrastructure growth and trade, reinforcing economic interdependence and goodwill.

Strategic alignment against global threats

As fascist regimes in Europe and Asia gained power, the US sought to prevent Axis penetration into Latin America. Economic and diplomatic support under the Good Neighbour Policy was partly aimed at ensuring that Latin American nations aligned with the US rather than Axis powers.

Evolution of the policy and the Panama Conference

As the threat of global conflict grew in the late 1930s, the Good Neighbour Policy evolved to prioritise hemispheric defence and solidarity. A key example of this shift was the Panama Conference of 1939, which highlighted the policy's adaptation to wartime concerns.

The Panama Conference (1939)

• Purpose and context - Held in September 1939, shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War in Europe, the conference brought together representatives from 21 American republics in Panama to discuss regional security.
• Key outcomes - The conference resulted in the Declaration of Panama, which established a neutrality zone around the Americas, aiming to keep the Western Hemisphere free from belligerent activities. It also promoted collective defence measures against external aggression.
• Significance for the Good Neighbour Policy - This event exemplified FDR's commitment to collaborative diplomacy, reinforcing the idea of a united hemisphere working together to address shared threats.

Broader evolution with approaching war

• Shift towards defence - As war loomed, the policy increasingly focused on military and strategic cooperation, including agreements for US bases in Latin America in exchange for economic aid.
• Legacy of cooperation - The groundwork laid by the Good Neighbour Policy ensured that most Latin American nations supported the Allied cause during the Second World War, demonstrating the long-term impact of FDR's diplomatic efforts.

By understanding the origins, applications, and evolution of the Good Neighbour Policy, the profound shift in US-Latin American relations during the 1930s becomes clear. This policy not only reshaped regional dynamics but also positioned the Western Hemisphere as a more unified entity in the face of global challenges.