photo #8899104

John Burke on January 4, 2026

9 views

In Album: John Burke's Timeline Photos

Dimension: 1440 x 1479

File Size: 589.99 Kb

View More View Less

Tim smith

The U.S. has invaded or intervened militarily in several Central American nations, most notably during the "Banana Wars" era (late 19th/early 20th century) in Nicaragua (multiple times, significant occupation 1912-1933), Honduras (numerous interventions for banana interests), Panama (1903, 1989 inva... View MoreThe U.S. has invaded or intervened militarily in several Central American nations, most notably during the "Banana Wars" era (late 19th/early 20th century) in Nicaragua (multiple times, significant occupation 1912-1933), Honduras (numerous interventions for banana interests), Panama (1903, 1989 invasion), and also intervened in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and supported coups in others like Guatemala, often to protect U.S. economic or strategic interests like canal control, leading to long-term influence and instability. Key Countries and Interventions: Nicaragua: Multiple invasions, including a major 21-year occupation (1912-1933) linked to protecting U.S. canal interests and stabilizing pro-American governments, establishing the Somoza dictatorship. Honduras: Frequent interventions (early 1900s) to protect U.S. banana company interests and maintain regional stability. Panama: Intervened in 1903 to secure canal rights and invaded in 1989 to depose dictator Manuel Noriega. Cuba: Regular interventions in the early 20th century (1906-1909, 1917-1922) and involvement in the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961). Dominican Republic: Occupied militarily from 1916–1924. Haiti: Received multiple interventions and occupations, ending in 1934. Costa Rica & El Salvador: Saw U.S.-backed coups and support for anti-communist forces during the Cold War. Context & Motivations: Banana Wars (c. 1898-1934): A period of frequent U.S. military interventions across the Caribbean and Central America, often to stabilize governments, protect American businesses (especially fruit companies), and assert regional dominance. Strategic Interests: Control over potential canal routes (Nicaragua, Panama) and protecting U.S. economic investments were primary drivers. Monroe Doctrine/Roosevelt Corollary: Provided justification for U.S. intervention to prevent European influence and maintain hemispheric control. Cold War: Support for anti-communist regimes and operations against perceived leftist threats (e.g., Operation Condor).

View Less

January 4, 2026