How did the U.S. justify its involvement in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century?

Study for the American Imperialism Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations. Prepare for success!

The justification for U.S. involvement in the Dominican Republic during the early 20th century primarily revolved around the need to stabilize the economy and prevent European intervention. In the context of the period, the Dominican Republic was facing severe financial difficulties, which led to instability and vulnerabilities that attracted the attention of European powers. The U.S. government feared that these powers might intervene, potentially threatening U.S. interests in the Caribbean, especially with the strategic location of the Dominican Republic in proximity to major trade routes and expanding American influence in the region.

To mitigate these threats, the United States argued that its intervention was necessary to implement financial reforms, help manage the customs revenue, and restore order. This intervention was framed as a constructive measure to ensure economic stability and protect both the Dominican Republic and U.S. interests from foreign exploitation or intervention by European nations.

The other options do not accurately capture the main reasoning behind U.S. actions during this period. While there may have been elements of promoting democracy or humanitarian efforts, these were often secondary to the overarching concerns of economic stability and preventing European dominance in the Caribbean. The concept of permanent annexation was also not the primary justification, as the U.S. sought to maintain a level of independence for the Dominican Republic rather

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