Theodore Roosevelt’s Influence in Latin America

Theodore Roosevelt’s Influence in Latin America

Before and during his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt had considerable influence in the Latin American countries. From the beginning of his well-known career as a rough rider to his two-term presidency, foreign policies and creation of the Panama Canal, Roosevelt left a legacy that heavily influences the relationship between the United States and the Latin American countries. Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most influential American men, if not the most, in many of the countries of Latin America.

Even before the start of the Spanish-American war, Roosevelt was itching for war and thought the United States had nothing to lose with intervention in Cuba. He felt the US could only gain from asserting its power and a “splendid little war” would be beneficial (Brands 312). With the destruction of the USS Maine and the start of the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt was eager to fight and lead a group of men; thus, The First Volunteer Cavalry was started in early 1898 (Brands 338). The “Rough Riders,” as named by an anonymous source, consisted of mainly men from the western territories and a few hundred ivy-leaguers making a regiment of about 1,000 men (Brands 339). “We most earnestly hope we can be sent to Cuba,” stated Roosevelt who was more anxious than anyone to begin to fight and be part of the war (Brands 340). To Roosevelt’s pleasure, the Rough Riders departed for Cuba in May of 1898 and got into their first encounter at Las Guásimas on Santiago Road in June, just shortly after their arrival (Brands 349). The little battle only lasted a mere two hours but after his first real taste of battle, Roosevelt and his men felt exhilarated and wanted to fight more.

After this, the Rough Riders headed to San Juan River and upon arriving there, Spanish ammunition rained down upon them (Brands 353). Under the command of General Sumner, Roosevelt wanted to be able to make his own attack on Kettle Hill. After Sumner finally gave him permission to go forward and help the other troops, Roosevelt led his men to the front of the fighting and decided it would be best to storm Kettle Hill (Morris 685; 1979). As his men followed him up the hill, Spanish cannons and fire heavily attacked them and they took whatever shelter they could find (Brands 354). As Roosevelt tried to take cover, he saw other troops storming San Juan Hill right next to him and he ordered his men to follow and made his way to join the charge (Brands 355). By the time Roosevelt and his men reached the top of the hill most of the Spanish were already gone but he started to shoot and eventually, the Americans were victorious.

Roosevelt could not have been more thrilled after the battle and there was already talk of him being a hero and possibly receiving a Medal of Honor (Morris 687; 1979). Roosevelt earned the title of Colonel and soon found himself in charge of the 2nd