ABC Powers

ABC Powers, early 20th-century term for the nations of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile that struggled to maintain peace in South and Central America and to achieve common action and policy on problems concerning all Latin American countries. In 1899 they concluded the first of a series of treaties that provided for arbitration of disputes and mutual assistance against aggression. The respective alliances were primarily directed against certain policies of the United States, particularly those implicit in the Monroe Doctrine. Shortly before the outbreak of World War I, the alliances assumed the character of an entente cordiale. Treaties providing for such an entente were drafted and signed in 1915 but were never ratified. One of the most important accomplishments of the ABC Powers was the mediation in 1914 of a serious dispute between the United States and Mexico arising from the refusal of the United States to recognize Victoriano Huerta as president of Mexico, following his overthrow of President Francisco Indalecio Madero.