Latin America–United States relations
Historically speaking, bilateral relations between the various countries of Latin America and the United States of America have been multifaceted and complex, at times defined by strong regional cooperation and at others filled with economic and political tension and rivalry. Although relations between the U.S. government and most of Latin America were limited prior to the late 1800s, for most of the past century, the United States has unofficially regarded parts of Latin America as within its sphere of influence, and for much of the Cold War (1947–1991), actively vied with the Soviet Union for influence in the Western Hemisphere.
American cartoon, published in 1898: "Remember the Maine! And Don't Forget the Starving Cubans!"
Street art in Venezuela, depicting Uncle Sam and accusing the U.S. government of imperialism
President Cleveland twists the tail of the British Lion, cartoon in Puck by J.S. Pughe, 1895
1903 cartoon, "Go Away, Little Man, and Don't Bother Me", depicts President Roosevelt intimidating Colombia to acquire the Canal Zone
America's backyard is a concept often used in political science and international relations contexts to refer to the sphere of influence of the United States, the USA's traditional areas of dominance, especially Latin America.
A 1912 newspaper cartoon highlighting America's influence in protecting neighboring countries in its "backyard" from European colonial expansion in the century following the Monroe Doctrine.
Theodore Roosevelt's Big Stick policy and bully pulpit tactics, asserting American dominance over the Caribbean region.
