The U.S. government ruled directly or put US followers in power in these nations. The philippines Guam Cuba Hawaii Panama California area 23 Latin American countries Between the Spanish-American War and the start of the Great Depression the U.S. sent troops to different Latin American countries 23 times. The U.S. wanted to other throw the "tyrants" and "free" the people. After the goverments were overthrown, the U.S. picked U.S. supporters to lead so that the U.S. gov could have a say in what's going on.