Theodore Roosevelt's policy toward Latin America was one of "big stick" diplomacy, which involved the use of military force to protect American interests in the region. He also sought to expand American influence in the region through the construction of the Panama Canal. William Howard Taft, on the other hand, pursued a policy of "dollar diplomacy," which sought to promote economic development in Latin America through the use of loans and investments from the United States. He also sought to reduce the use of military force in the region and instead relied on diplomacy and economic incentives to achieve American goals.
