As the author writes, the world is watching with concern the growing American military presence in the Caribbean, facing Venezuela. While Snap History does not address current issues, the current situation recalls an event from the early 1900s.

At the beginning of the 20th century, that same region was the scene of an international crisis that culminated in the naval blockade of 1902/1903, imposed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy. The crisis arose from the deterioration of relations between Venezuelan President Cipriano Castro and various European powers. In previous years, Caracas had suspended payments on its foreign debt and refused to pay compensation for damages suffered by European citizens during the country's internal turmoil. Added to this were trade tensions and the Venezuelan authorities' requisitions of foreign companies. Germany and Great Britain, the main creditors, therefore decided to resort to force to obtain recognition of their claims, launching a joint pressure campaign. Italy, despite its more limited interests, decided to join to avoid being excluded from a potential agreement and to protect its resident citizens. The blockade began in December 1902: European fleets seized Venezuelan ships and occupied strategic coastal points. The cruisers Elba and Calabria operated for Italy. Although numerically modest compared to the British and German squadrons, they played a continuous role in patrolling, providing a diplomatic presence, and participating in blockade operations. The Italian Navy demonstrated remarkable logistical reliability: the vessels, engaged for years in distant missions, maintained a rapid pace despite the difficult climatic conditions and limited support bases. However, the situation risked escalating.

Germany, in particular, adopted a more aggressive stance, arousing the attention and concern of the United States. The Roosevelt administration, citing the Monroe Doctrine, did not intend to tolerate prolonged European intervention in the Western Hemisphere. Washington then offered mediation, urging the parties to suspend operations and accept international arbitration. The solution came in early 1903: Venezuela agreed to allocate a portion of its customs revenues to debt repayment, while Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy lifted their blockade. The episode is known as Europe's last roar in America.