Final answer:
In the early-to-mid-20th century, banana republics in Central America were politically controlled by corporate and military forces, primarily U.S. fruit companies, and not characterized by democratic values or local governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early-to-mid-20th century was a period where the United States played a significant role in supporting banana republics in Central America. These countries were characterized by political systems heavily influenced and at times controlled by corporate and military forces, especially those related to U.S. fruit companies, such as the United Fruit Company. These corporations became incredibly powerful through activities such as landownership, managing postal services, handling telegraphs, and even having the leverage to prompt U.S. military intervention, as seen in incidents like the 1928 Banana Massacre in Colombia. Additionally, the dominance of economic interests in regions like Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua evidences a political landscape far removed from democratic values or local governance.
Therefore, in the context of the given choices, banana republics in the early-to-mid-20th century can best be described politically as (D) controlled by corporate and military forces. Companies like the United Fruit Company had significant control over the land and economy, influencing political affairs to protect and advance their financial interests.