In explaining the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, Roosevelt said “While they [the other nations of the Western Hemisphere] thus obey the primary laws of civilized society they may rest assured that they will be treated by us in a spirit of cordial and helpful sympathy. We would interfere with them only in the last resort, and then only if it became evident that their inability or unwillingness to do justice at home and abroad had violated the rights of the United States or had invited foreign aggression to the detriment of the entire body of American nations.” What does this statement tell you about the way that Americans viewed the nations and people of Central and South America? A) The nations and people of Central and South America were resourceful, capable, and hospitable to the people of the United States.
B) The nations of Central and South America were valued allies in the United State’s competition with Europe.
C) Nations such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Colombia were threats to the security and stability of the United States.
D) These nations were not as “civilized” as the United States and might be unwilling or unable to govern themselves adequately.