Question 4 of 5

Why did the United States wish to intervene in Latin America during the late 1800s and early 1900s?

A.
to protect its growing investments in Latin America

B.
to encourage Latin American trade with Europe

C.
to end Latin American independence movements

D.
to reduce the influence of communism in Latin America

A. to protect its growing investments in Latin America

The answer to this question is A. The United States wished to intervene in Latin America during the late 1800s and early 1900s in order to protect its growing investments in the region.

To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the historical context of that time period. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the United States experienced significant economic expansion and industrialization. As a result, American businesses and investors began to seek new markets and resources to sustain their economic growth. Latin America, with its abundance of natural resources and emerging markets, became an attractive destination for American investment.

However, the United States was concerned about the political instability and economic uncertainties that existed in many Latin American countries. In order to protect their investments, the United States sought to exert influence and control over these nations. This was often done through various forms of intervention, such as military interventions, economic dominance, or political interference.

By intervening in Latin America, the United States aimed to ensure stability and favorable conditions for its investments. This involved actions such as supporting friendly governments, overthrowing or influencing regimes that were deemed unfriendly or hostile to American interests, and establishing economic policies that favored American businesses. These interventions were driven by economic motivations rather than ideology, such as the desire to reduce the influence of communism (as stated in option D) was not a significant factor during that time period.

Therefore, option A, to protect its growing investments in Latin America, is the most accurate explanation for why the United States wished to intervene in the region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The correct answer is A. to protect its growing investments in Latin America.