Why did the United States seek trade cooperation with Latin America?

The United States sought trade cooperation with Latin America primarily to increase Latin American demand for American products. This approach was rooted in the broader context of American imperialism, where economic interests played a crucial role. By fostering trade relationships, the U.S. aimed to expand its market for goods and services, ensuring a steady demand for American industrial products.

The expansion into Latin American markets also aligned with the U.S. strategic goal of gaining influence in the region, combating European colonialism, and ensuring stability in trade routes. Increased demand for American products would not only benefit American industries but also help integrate Latin American economies more closely with the U.S., creating a favorable economic dependency.

This pursuit of increased demand was part of a larger strategy to promote American investments and ultimately reinforce U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, encapsulated in policies like the Monroe Doctrine and later the Roosevelt Corollary. Thus, the focus on increasing demand for American products reflects the economic motivations that were central to U.S. imperialism in Latin America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.