Jefferson Caffery and His Role in U.S. Foreign Policy (1926–1937)

Abstract

In 1926, U.S. policy in El Salvador and Latin America focused on supporting friendly regimes, protecting American investments, and intervening when necessary—through economic influence or military force—to ensure regional stability in line with U.S. interests. The Monroe Doctrine served as the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America. While it initially aimed to protect the independence of the region's nations, it evolved into a tool for political and economic dominance. What began as a defensive policy was later used to justify military interventions and the safeguarding of American interests, making it a subject of controversy and criticism. President Franklin Roosevelt sought to improve relations with Latin America through the Good Neighbor Policy, which moved away from direct military interventions. The diplomatic and political role of Jefferson Caffery in shaping and implementing U.S. foreign policy in Latin America between 1926 and 1937—with a focus on his missions in El Salvador, Colombia, and Cuba—highlights how Caffery represented the directions of Roosevelt’s administration, especially within the framework of the Good Neighbor Policy. His efforts contributed to reshaping U.S.-Latin American relations on more cooperative and stable foundations