AllMovie

This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, examines the state of America's past and present relations with Latin America. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode gives the background of some of the most prominent U.S. involvements in Latin America, including the construction of the Panama Canal in 1914. Since this time, the U.S. has continued to involve itself in the politics of Latin American countries, under the claim that American interests are at jeopardy and need to be preserved. Some of the more recent examples of U.S. involvement in Latin America have come under fire for being less a protection of American interests and rather more an act of a powerful, forceful nation. 20th Century With Mike Wallace features interviews with Dr. Robert A. Pastor of the Carter Center in Atlanta, who has helped in negotiations with Latin American leaders in the past.