From the turn of the century until 1934, political revolts and organized banditry were the order of the day in Haiti, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Panama, and Cuba. This was the so-called "Banana Wars."
American foreign policy, established on the premise that internal disruption of small countries in the western hemisphere was likely to lead to larger conflicts involving major powers, demanded intervention to establish order and peace. In every instance, it was the Marines who were called upon to quell the uprisings, to pursue and capture the bandits, and to restore law and order to the governments of the troubled countries.
During WW I, the Marine Corps had almost as many men in the Caribbean as in France. The 2nd Marine Brigade fought in a hundred engagements in the Domican Republic in 1918 and two hundred in 1919. Not until 1924 were the Marines withdrawn from the Dominican Republic.
This Marine wears a campaign hat with the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem on the front. Unlike other Marines in Europe, he wears the campaign hat most likely due to the warmer climate and the absence of artillery sharpnel. He carries additional ammunition in the bandoliers across his chest. His weapon is the M1903 Springfield, the standard rifle of U.S. forces during this time period. |
