Download America`s Foreign Policy—1865-1919

America’s Foreign Policy—1865-1919
AP United States History
For the Founding Fathers, foreign policy was not a major concern. Their focus lay more upon
domestic affairs and trying to establish a new nation with new ideals. Our mere survival was the
most pressing issue facing America from the end of the Revolutionary War until the end of the
War of 1812 (1783-1814).
The ensuing period after the Treaty of Ghent until the start of the Civil War (1815-1860)
represents a phase when America becomes a hemispheric power. Our nation is centered on
expanding westward; protecting U.S. interests abroad and limiting foreign interests in the
America’s. We were still isolated from European politics and major global affairs though as the
nation’s reliance on Washington’s farewell address still ruled our foreign policy.
After our Civil War, the nation focuses upon healing and dealing with the major domestic issues
caused by 5 years of fighting. During this next 25 year period (1865-1890) we see the country
rebound by developing a booming economy, national pride and consolidating its hold on North
America. Together, these factors allow the U.S. to shift its focus outside our borders and change
our foreign policy from isolationism to expansionism.
This imperialistic attitude was a huge step for such a young nation, and a radical departure from
our first hundred years. The result: from 1890 until the start of WWI we acquire an overseas
empire that stretches far into the Pacific Ocean and intervene in the affairs of Cuba, Mexico and
other Latin American Nations. This is the time when the U.S. takes its first steps toward being a
world power
But what were the reasons for this new foreign policy? Was it an updated Manifest Destiny? Was
it the globalization of our view that our way was the BEST and we were the chosen people? Can we
use the European ideals of “white man’s burden” and “social Darwinism”? Or is it simply a matter
that our new found attitude reflected a development of American imperialism and economic
interests.
Terms to know for the period 1865-1914
Alfred Thayer Mahan
Social Darwinism
Anti-Imperialism League
Open Door Policy
The Mystery of the Maine
Big Stick Diplomacy
De Lôme Letter
Teller Amendment
Roosevelt Corollary
Gentleman's Agreement
Panama Canal
Yellow Journalism
Treaty of Portsmouth
John Hay
Philippine Insurrection
Platt Amendment
Great White Fleet
Treaty of Paris
Textbook references: American Pageant: Read pages 403-404, Chapters 27 and 30.
Study Question: (Minimum of 50 words, handwritten)
Write an editorial in which you either support or criticize the methods that the U.S. military used
during the Filipino Insurrection.—Due Thursday, March 13.
Friday, February 28: We will identify the internal factors that caused America to start to look to
expand outside of its borders. We will complete “Growing Pains America in the 1890’s” and answer
the questions on the study guide. For Tuesday—Read “The Spanish-American War” and complete
the study guide.
Monday, March 3: We will identify the causes of the Spanish-American War and briefly discuss
the war’s events. The key question that we want to answer is was this conflict in our national
interest? For the week—Read pages 403-404 and Chapter 27.
Tuesday, Wednesday, March 4, 5: We will discuss the formation of the Anti-Imperialist league
and understand the opposition to the War. We will also examine the problems America faces now
that it has colonies to control. For Thursday: View the PowerPoint “America’s Foreign Policy”
Thursday, March 6: We will analyze America’s new role as a global power in the late 1800’s and
early 1900’s. We will compare ourselves to other powers and start to examine the conflict that will
arise between the United States and Japan. We will examine how this period starts America on
the course toward WW II.
Monday, March 10: Student Circle Discussion on US international behavior at the end of the
1800’s. Were we Imperialists like the European Powers of the time? Or merely fulfilling our
Manifest Destiny? For the week—Read Chapter 30.
Terms to know for the period 1914-1919
Neutrality
mobilization
Submarine warfare
George Creel
Lusitania
war agencies
Sussex pledge
Espionage Act
Allied powers
Sedition Act
Central Powers
Schenck v. United States
Propaganda
Fourteen Points
Big Four
David Lloyd George
Georges Clemenceau
Vittorio Orlando
League of Nations
Henry Cabot Lodge
Treaty of Versailles
For class discussion:
 Explain the importance of Wilson’s definition of war aims.
 Explain the defeat of the League and the treaty.
 Analyze the treatment of war opponents especially Socialists and German Americans.
Tuesday, Wednesday, March 11, 12: We will identify the changes that occurred in America as
a result of WW I. In many cases, they were not compatible with traditional American values or
even the constitution. For Wednesday: Complete “The Homefront”
Thursday, Friday, March 13, 14: We will discuss the American Debate over the Treaty of
Versailles. We will also identify the reasons that caused America to shift from being focused on
expansion to adopting a policy of isolationism during the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Monday, March 17: Test