Download United States Foreign Policy What is foreign policy?

United States
Foreign Policy
What is foreign policy?
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A nation’s plan in dealing with other
countries
Defined goals and objectives on
how a country will interact with other
countries
In his Farewell Address, George
Washington warned the United
States against forming permanent
alliances (we did NOT listen)
Who creates foreign policy in
the United States?
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As Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces,
the President is responsible for foreign policy.
He (or she) receives help from many of his
advisors.
The President negotiates treaties that are
ratified by the Senate.
The Secretary of State is the foreign minister.
Congress has the power to declare war.
Monroe Doctrine
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1823 – stated that European nations should
stay out of the Western Hemisphere
In return, the U.S. would stay out of
European affairs
Under Pres. James Monroe but largely the
work of Sec. of State John Quincy Adams
The U.S. considered any attempt at
colonization a threat to national security.
Spanish-American War
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President William McKinley declared war on
Spain in 1898
Causes:
Humanitarianism
Economic Interests
Yellow Journalism
DeLome Letter
Sinking of the Maine
Spanish-American War
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Results: The United States became an
increasing, world power after this war.
Treaty of Paris – US acquired Guam, Puerto
Rico and the Philippines ($20 million)
Protectorate status over Cuba
U.S. turned to imperialism to compete with
European nations
Roosevelt Corollary or “Big
Stick Policy”
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When Theodore Roosevelt
became President, he issued this
“extension” of the Monroe Doctrine
by claiming that the U.S. would be
the international police power in
Latin America.
“Speak softly but carrying a big
stick”
Not a popular foreign policy for
isolationists in the United States.
Roosevelt Corollary or “Big
Stick Policy”
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Dominican Republic – repay debt to Europe
Panama Canal
Left feelings of ill will and distrust of the
United States in Latin America
FDR tried to improve relations with the
Good Neighbor Policy
Woodrow Wilson – World War I
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Fourteen Points – Woodrow Wilson’s plan for
world peace; included the formation of a
League of Nations
Treaty of Versailles – the Senate refused to
ratify this treaty because of the provision that
included membership in the League of
Nations
Harry S Truman – Atomic bomb
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Dec. 7, 1941 Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
FDR placed Japanese-Americans in
internment camps
After defeating Italy and Germany, FDR and
then Truman, had tremendous difficulty
getting Japan to surrender.
Japan had kamikaze soldiers who were
willing to die for their country.
Manhattan Project
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Secret plan (even VP Truman did NOT know
about it) to build an atomic bomb
Tested in New Mexico
Truman was faced with the possibility of MAJOR
US casualties if he continued conventional
approach (island hopping)
Dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (Aug. 6,
1945) and Nagasaki (Aug. 9, 1945)
LBJ – Vietnam War
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1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident – two U.S. warships
allegedly attacked of the coast of Vietnam
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution – provided the Pres. to
use armed force without a declaration of war
(only TWO votes against)
1973 War Powers Act – under Nixon, restricted
the right of the President to use the military
Must notify Congress within 48 hours of sending
troops; can only do so for 90 days w/o
declaration of war