While the Monroe Doctrine proclaimed the Western Hemisphere as off limits to colonization, the Roosevelt corollary broadened the doctrine by making it clear that the US would intervene in the affairs of Latin American nations to prevent European intervention or colonization. This policy of pre-emptive intervention was justified on the grounds of "self-defense".
Here's how the Roosevelt Corollary differed from the original Monroe Doctrine:
1. Preemptive Intervention: The Monroe Doctrine focused primarily on preventing European powers from acquiring new colonies or influencing the existing ones in the Americas. The Roosevelt Corollary took a more proactive approach by allowing the United States to intervene in the internal affairs of Latin American countries to prevent potential European intervention.
2. Scope of Intervention: The Monroe Doctrine mainly addressed European colonization and political interference in the Americas. The Roosevelt Corollary expanded this scope to include economic interests and the overall stability of the region, further justifying American involvement in the affairs of Latin American nations.
3. Justification: While both the Monroe Doctrine and the Roosevelt Corollary asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries, the Roosevelt Corollary specifically invoked the concept of "self-defense" as a justification for such interventions.
4. Regional Hegemony: The Monroe Doctrine established the United States as a regional power with a vested interest in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere, but it did not explicitly assert American dominance. The Roosevelt Corollary solidified the United States' position as the dominant power in the region, giving it the right to intervene to protect its own interests.
In summary, the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine expanded the scope and justification for American intervention in the affairs of Latin American nations, solidifying the United States' role as a regional hegemon with the right to preemptively intervene to protect its interests and prevent European interference in the Western Hemisphere.