Venezuelan Intervention

This timeline follows a different course of actions during the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902-03. Long story short: Venezuela owed Great Britain, Germany and Italy money. These countries decided to blockade Venezuela to force them to repay the money. Theodore Roosevelt didn't invoke the Monroe Doctrine as he felt it didn't apply with the circumstances. Eventually, Venezuela repaid most of the debt, causing the European fleets to withdraw. But, on the table for the Europeans during the planning of the blockade was landing troops and occupying Venezuelan cities. If this was chosen, Roosevelt would have most likely invoked the Monroe Doctrine. Would the US be able to stop them, or would Europeans get control of the defenseless South American country?

Build up (1898-1902)
The United States of America emerge victorious after a brief war with Spain. The conflict demonstrates that the US is capable of crossing oceans and fighting on foreign soil. America is now a real world power. Meanwhile, Venezuela falls into deep debt with Great Britain, Germany and Italy. Investors in those countries press their governments to do something about it. Leaders begin drafting plans to force Venezuela to repay them. Some propose a small invasion, occupying some territory. Cooler heads would prefer only conducting a naval blockade, citing the American Monroe Doctrine and that a blockade may draw less attention. But most appear to be leaning towards the former of the two. President Theodore Roosevelt, well aware of Venezuelas finical situation, contacts their governments. He tells them that if they plan on landing European troops on South American soil, he will stop them. Great Britain, the historically master of the high seas, shrugs it off as an empty threat. Germany, however, is more concern, and many heads are becoming cooler. In June 1902, Venezuela seizes a British vessel suspected of aiding rebels. This action is the tipping point and Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil approves the invasion plan. Germany agrees reluctantly, and Italy backs out altogether.

Sailing to war
President Roosevelt hears that the British have set sail for Venezuela. Within an hour, he announces that he will invoke the Monroe Doctrine. He says that in Venezuelas weakened state, they won't be able to resist, and opening the door to another round of colonization. He orders the Navy to mobilize all available ships and sail to intercept the European fleet. Upon hearing this, Germany orders its ships to break off and abandon the invasion plan. Britain still believes that Roosevelt is bluffing and continues, besides a war against trusts are far different than a war against the British Empire. The Royal Navy sails far around to the east of America's new possession, Puerto Rico. This move buys the American navy time to catch up by cutting in between Hispanola and Puerto Rico. The navies are set to engage off the Caribbean island of Antigua.