What was a significant impact of U.S. influence on Caribbean politics in the 20th century?

The significant impact of U.S. influence on Caribbean politics in the 20th century often manifested as intervention leading to political instability. Throughout this period, the U.S. engaged in various actions to protect its interests in the region, sometimes at the expense of local governance and sovereignty. Notable instances include military interventions in countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Grenada, where U.S. actions often aimed to prevent perceived communist threats or to restore regimes favorable to American interests.

These interventions frequently resulted in disrupted political systems and increased tensions. The U.S. support for certain leaders could lead to oppression and dissatisfaction among the populace, further destabilizing governance. Moreover, the reliance on U.S. influence meant that local leaders could become scapegoats for failure, with citizens attributing their nation’s issues to external interference rather than to their own political dynamics. Thus, while U.S. involvement was intended to ensure stability and growth, it often had the opposite effect, contributing to the cycle of political instability and unrest within the Caribbean.