Download America Claim*s an Empire

America Claims an Empire
U.S. Foreign Policy
America’s Foreign Policy under George Washington:
1. During the French Revolution & resulting conflict
Washington kept the country neutral.
2. In his Farewell Address to Congress Washington
warned the nation: “steer clear of permanent
Alliances with any portion of the foreign World.”
Effectively, Washington established the U.S. as an
Isolationist nation
Isolationism: The strict non-involvement in other
nations’ affairs. Keeping the country uninvolved
by only doing business or trading with the other
countries, not getting involved in their politics
or disagreements with other countries.
U.S. ExpanSioniSm in thE 1800’S
• Manifest Destiny: The notion that America had
the right to control the North American
Continent. “That westward expansion was
predestined by God.” –The American’s: Reconstruction to the 21st
Century.
– President James K. Polk (president 1845-1850)
• Had five goals when he was elected:
– Acquire Texas and California from Mexico (Mexican-American
War)
– Acquire Oregon Territory (54’ 40’’ or Fight!, agreed on 49th
Parallel
– Lower tariffs
– Establish Independent Treasury
– Only serve one term in office
• By 1850 all five goals were achieved!
U.S. ExpanSioniSm in thE 1800’S
• The U.S. wanted more markets to sell their
good in so they followed the foreign policy of
Imperialism.
• Imperialism: The Extending of national power
by acquiring territory around the globe or
exploiting weaker nations to serve national
interests.
• A great debate broke out over the issue of
American Imperialism.
Revolution in Cuba
• The U.S. got involved in Cuban affairs and was
brought into potential conflict with Spain.
• The Cuban Revolution began in 1868.
• Reasons for American Involvement:
– Geographically natural expansionism
– Struggle for Independence
– Economic potential of Sugar Plantations
– Investments
The Explosion of the U.S.S.
Maine
The Maine Incident
• Hopes that the U.S. could stay out of the War
were dashed in 1898.
• U.S. Battleship Maine exploded in Havana Harbor,
Cuba.
• The Maine was stationed there to protect
American citizens and property if necessary
• 260 Americans were killed in the explosion
• Each side blamed the other for the Maine
Explosion and despite two investigations it is still
unclear how the ship exploded.
Swag
Yellow Journalism pushed the
U.S. toward WAR!
• The public was outraged at the Main incident.
• Journalist used “Yellow Journalism” or
sensational headlines and stories, with little
attention paid to the facts. Designed to grab the
attention and stir up the emotions of the readers.
• Sensational stories and misrepresented facts led
to public outcry for War.
• After much debate and attempts at peace in
Cuba, President McKinley called for War with
Spain on April 11, 1898.
The Spanish-American War
• The outbreak of War in the Pacific
– The Spanish –American War began in the
Philippines
– Admiral Dewy and his fleet attacked Manila Bay
on May 1st and within seven hours had
demolished all the Spanish ships in Manila Bay.
– With 11,000 reinforcements and working with
Filipino patriots, they captured Manila on August
13, 1898.
The War Moves to Cuba
• Fighting on the island of Cuba began on June 20,
1898
• The “Rough Riders” embodied the American
Enthusiasm for the fights against Spain and were
lauded by the Press. Their spirit and
determination became legendary after they
charged up the foot of San Juan Hill, a
strategically important part of the ridges
surrounding Santiago, the capitol of Cuba. They
were led by Theodore Roosevelt.
The U.S. defeats Spain
• U.S. troops in the Spanish-American War included
numerous African-Americans, they played a
crucial role in America’s defeat of Spain.
• The Battle of San Juan Hill-the first major battle
of the Spanish-American War-turned out to be
the last.
• The American fleet destroyed the Spanish fleet in
Santiago harbor and moved on to take the island
of Puerto Rico.
• During the War more men died of Malaria; 5,000,
than in combat; 385.
• Troops had to be quarantined in New York to
prevent outbreaks in the U.S.
U.S. Emerges as a World Power
• Cease fire was signed on August 12, 1898.
• The U.S. acquired three new territories during the
war: Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
• U.S. emerged from the Spanish-American war as
a world power and created a new international
role for the country.
• People who were opposed to U.S. control over
the Philippines and other new territories created
the Anti-Imperialist League after the war.
U.S. Imperialism in the Early 1900’s
• U.S. plays a new role in World Politics after the
Spanish American War
• U.S. presidents; Theodore Roosevelt, William
Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson, all
involved the the U.S. in the affairs of various
Latin American and Asian countries.
• Territorial Expansion included Alaska, Hawaii,
as well as territory gained in the SpanishAmerica War.
New Foreign Policy Terms
• Collective Security: Working with others
countries to influence world affairs. AKA The
Alliance system. Make allies with other
countries for security purposes. The most
famous alliances today is NATO and the U.N.
• Internationalism: Intervening in other
countries’ affairs to promote important
national interests and/or to safeguard national
security. “International Police”
The Presidential Policies
• Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” Policy
– Actively meet any challenge to the national
interest
– He wanted the U.S. to have a strong international
presence
– Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe doctrine which
Asserted the right of the U.S. to act as an
international police power in Latin America.
The Presidential Policies
• Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”: Encouraged American
businesses to invest in foreign regions
• Wilson’s “Moral Diplomacy”(AKA “Missionary
Diplomacy”): maintained that U.S. should
champion the spread of Democracy around the
globe emphasizing American ideals such as selfdetermination.
– Also used to justify American intervention in the
Mexican Revolution. Stated that U.S. had a moral
responsibility to deny recognition to any Latin
American Government it viewed as oppressive,
undemocratic, or hostile to U.S. interests.