The Panama Canal and Roosevelt Corollary: DBQ Worksheet Activity

After reading the article and engaging with the accompanying questions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative role played by the United States in expanding its influence in the Caribbean and Latin America during the early 20th century. The article delves into the dual dynamics of the Panama Canal's construction and the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine.

Students will grasp the intricacies of the Panama Canal project, recognizing it as a monumental engineering feat that not only revolutionized global trade routes but also solidified the United States as a dominant force in the Western Hemisphere. The strategic significance of the canal, both economically and militarily, will become apparent, showcasing its role as a symbol of American power projection and control over vital maritime routes.

The article provides insights into the motivations behind the U.S. intervention in Panama, emphasizing the diplomatic maneuvers by President Theodore Roosevelt that led to the canal's acquisition. Furthermore, students will discern the broader implications of the Roosevelt Corollary, understanding how it reshaped the Monroe Doctrine and justified American interventions in the internal affairs of Latin American nations to safeguard economic interests and maintain regional stability.

Through the questions, students will critically analyze controversies surrounding the Roosevelt Corollary, such as concerns about sovereignty and self-determination, and explore the economic dimensions of U.S. interventions in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. Lastly, students will appreciate the lasting legacy of these initiatives, recognizing their impact on American foreign policy throughout the 20th century and the enduring influence of the United States in the Caribbean and Latin American geopolitical landscape.