The symbiotic relationship between the United States and Latin America has been filled with bitterness and anguish at its worst, and hope and cooperation at its best. Each side provides something the other lacks, and thus the relationship has the potential to work to the advantage of both. After independence, the U.S.A. needed to build a solid relationship with Latin American countries in order to survive. By the time of World War II, this relationship had developed into one of cooperation and mutual collaboration. This era ended with the onset of the Cold War, when the competition between capitalism and communism was fought by proxy throughout the developing world, adversely affecting the ability of Latin American nations to develop independent identities or thriving economies. The author argues that the events of 9/11 changed this relationship very little. Indeed, many of the issues that have long plagued U.S.-Latin American relations are returning as the United States focuses on the 'War on Terror' in the Middle East and neglects its southern neighbours. This book provides an introduction to the most important events in the diplomatic, military, social, and economic history of the relationship between the United States and countries of Latin America.