U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua

U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua, 1911/1912

In the years leading up to the First World War, there were two major powers that competed for political influence in Latin America, those powers being the United States and Mexican governments. The U.S. intervened more directly in Nicaragua on two separate accounts in 1911 and 1912. The objective was to ensure rule of government that would be ideologically similar and friendly in terms of foreign affairs with the United States1.This in turn meaning that the U.S. political and commercial interests would on the agenda and a priority for Nicaragua2. Along side that the Nicaraguan government would then serve as an example, being under the watchful protection of the United States, of a stable form of government in Central and Latin America3. During this time, the officials that were in President Taft’s administration saw the United States as intervening in Nicaragua as a way to verify good government, but this caused a backlash that would be seen by a great deal of Nicaraguans as an overall encroachment on their sovereignty as nation that is seeking economic, and political gains4.

U.S. Secretary of State Knox, through out this time became very concerned about Nicaragua’s President oJs Zelda. This being because Zelaya had came to power through a military coup in 18935. However, also in his time as President, Zelaya embarked on internal improvement for his country. He did so by mainly courting foreign investors, that included some from the United States. However, it can be noted that Knox was mostly concerned about Zelda and his negotiations with the Japanese government for the construction of a transoceanic canal6. Knox later on in 1909 wanted to find a way of bringing Zelaya out of pow...

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"U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua, 1911/1912." U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua, 1911/1912. http://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/ip/108629.htm (accessed February 25, 2014).