What were the main motivations behind the U.S. implementing the Roosevelt Corollary?

The Roosevelt Corollary was introduced by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 as an extension of the Monroe Doctrine, primarily aimed at protecting American interests in Latin America and the Caribbean. The main motivation behind this policy was to safeguard and promote U.S. economic interests in the region, especially as American investments grew in Latin America. By asserting the right to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries to prevent financial instability, the U.S. sought to ensure that its national investments in these countries were protected from European powers that might try to collect debts or exert influence in a way detrimental to American interests.

The other possible motivations, while they may have some relevance, do not capture the primary focus as clearly as the protection of investments. Promoting democracy, maintaining peace, and counteracting European influence are themes that can be related to U.S. foreign policy during this period; however, the Corollary itself is directly tied to economic protectionism and ensuring stability favorable to U.S. investments and influence in those regions. The Roosevelt Corollary thus served as a mechanism to justify intervention under the guise of stability and order but fundamentally reflected the United States' desire to protect its economic interests abroad.