The Good Neighbor Policy lesson idea provides an overview of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 policy of friendship with Latin American States. This is a great lesson for educators wanting to provide their students with a good grasp of the policies adopted by the United States toward other Latin American countries leading up to the beginning of the Second World War.

Learning about the Good Neighbor policy is not just important, it’s inspiring. It shows how President Roosevelt, upon taking office, was determined to improve relations with the nations of Central and South America. Under his leadership, the United States shifted its focus to cooperation and trade, a strategy that maintained stability in the region and fostered a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.

The policy could be considered a success in part by most of the Latin American states supporting the Allies during the Second World War. After the war ended, the United States’ anti-communist policies in Europe and Asia led to a renewed distrust in the Americas and the gradual collapse of the Good Neighbor Policy.

To enhance student understanding, this lesson adopts a critical thinking, research and comprehension approach through the use of a source analysis, a film discussion and a research task. The research task could be completed with a partner to build upon team-building skills.

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