William Jennings Bryan and the United States-Colombia Impasse, 1903-1921

Abstract

ILLIAM Jennings Bryan was at different times an anti-imperialist and a neo-imperialist. In the role of anti-imperialist are included his relationship to the war with Spain, the Treaty of Paris, and subsequent attempts to obtain freedom for the Philippines and home rule for Puerto Rico.' Second, as Secretary of State, the erstwhile anti-expansionist used methods which he had earlier criticized in order to extend American power south of the border. As a result, he continued to support the Platt Amendment in Cuba, and within several months of his resignation as secretary on June 8, 1915, the United States undertook military intervention in the republics of Santo Domingo and Haiti.2 His handling of United States relations with Colombia, however, is an illuminating exception which demonstrates his friendship for Latin America and provides an excellent example of his taking a conciliatory attitude toward an aggrieved small power. Although one cannot prove political motivation in his actions, Bryan may have relished the fact that he was smoothing diplomatic waters roiled by his earlier rival, Theodore Roosevelt. Yet it is true that Bryan's predecessor, Philander C. Knox, failed to comprehend Latin American psychology and had disregarded the sovereign rights of some of the states to the south. His actions created prejudice against him, retarded the very opportunities for American foreign commerce which he sought, and inspired the diplomatic representatives from Latin America to characterize him as the model of all that a Secretary of State should not be.8 If Bryan * The author is Professor of History at the United States Naval Academy.