Throughout the twentieth century, nationalists often rose in opposition to governments they viewed as subservient to foreign influence. These rebels, inspired by ideals from American history and democracy, sought to assert their independence and challenge the power that the United States exercised over their nations. Their actions were driven by a desire for self-determination and were fueled by a critique of American interventionism.

However, this resistance to foreign domination placed them in direct conflict with American leaders. As these nationalists posed a threat to U.S. interests, they frequently faced harsh reprisals, including suppression of their movements. This cycle of rebellion and retaliation highlighted the complex dynamics between nationalist aspirations and the influence of American foreign policy, illustrating the often detrimental impact of U.S. involvement in the internal affairs of other nations.