Q&A · 2:20:15-2:21:47

Was Fordlândia an extension of the Monroe Doctrine?

Fordlândia and United Fruit illustrate the commercial paternalism associated here with American ideas of hemispheric leadership.

Question

Should Fordlândia be considered an example of the Monroe Doctrine's reach?

Short answer

Fordlândia is interpreted as an export of American capitalism and paternalism, with an indirect connection to the worldview surrounding the doctrine.

Notes

Fordlândia is interpreted here as an attempt to export American capitalism and social expectations to a southern neighbour. United Fruit supplies another example of corporate influence within the same hemispheric worldview. The criticism concerns paternalism and assumptions about other countries, including the tendency to discount diplomatic advice. These commercial projects illustrate ideas that also surrounded the Monroe Doctrine, without establishing that each project was an application of the doctrine.