To what extent did Franklin D Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor policy improve relations between the USA and Latin America?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Franklin D Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor policy improved relations between the USA and Latin America. Results may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to inter-hemispheric conferences to evaluate if Pan-American relations showed improvement. For example, they may refer to Mexican and Argentinean refusal to sign agreements at Montevideo (1933), as evidence of failure in improving relations. Candidates could also analyse the state of US–Latin American relations through Latin American participation in trade agreements with the US. For example, candidates may argue the signing of 11 tariff reduction agreements by 1939 improved relations, but highlight that Argentina, Mexico and Chile’s refusal to participate limited progress. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the removal of the Platt amendment in 1934 or the withdrawal of occupation troops from Haiti, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The extent to which the Good Neighbor Policy improved relations with Latin America was a moderately popular choice and produced some essays of good strength in both knowledge and analysis. Opinions were mixed, though most candidates regarded the GNP as largely positive until the impact of the Cold War. The focus was generally placed on the diplomatic aspects of regional self-defence with critical assessment as to US motives.