US Bases in Latin America

The United States has a long history of maintaining military installations in Latin America. The permanent presence of US bases has its origins in the construction of the Panama Canal, and the eviction of Spain from Puerto Rico and Cuba. These three events were the foundation of a network of bases that expanded and contracted throughout the twentieth century, depending on US security concerns. From these bases the United States enhanced its defenses when its security was challenged, and also launched military interventions against Latin American and Caribbean countries to protect US interests beyond its borders. US interventionism and its military presence in the region were a major concern for Latin Americans, who often saw their autonomy as being curtailed. But the US military has not always been opposed in the region. On the contrary, examples abound of Latin American governments requesting US military operations in their territories, as well as military aid and training.