The Roosevelt Corollary was a corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, enunciated by President Theodore Roosevelt in his State of the Union address on December 6, 1904. It stated that the United States would intervene in Latin America if necessary to maintain order and protect its interests.
The corollary was a response to the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902-1903, in which Germany, Britain, and Italy had blockaded Venezuela in an attempt to collect debts. Roosevelt threatened to intervene militarily if the European powers did not withdraw, and they eventually backed down.
The corollary was controversial at the time, and it remains so today. Critics argue that it gave the United States too much power in Latin America, and that it violated the principle of non-intervention. Supporters argue that it was necessary to protect American interests in the region.
The corollary had a significant impact on Latin America. It led to the United States intervening in several countries, including Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua. It also contributed to the development of a strong anti-American sentiment in the region.
The corollary was officially repealed by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. However, it continues to have an impact on American policy towards Latin America.