Since the beginning the U.S. practiced isolationism as our foreign policy.

Isolationism means not taking part in international alliances, or other world affairs.

George Washington, our first president established this policy.

However, in the late 1800s as the European nations took over vast areas in Africa and Asia, American leaders looked to extend American influence abroad.

The rest of the world’s powers were expanding and becoming more powerful – U.S. felt it had to keep up.

The act of expansion was called imperialism – stronger nations create empires by dominating weaker nations.

Imperialism controls the weaker nations economically, politically, culturally, and militarily.

Imperialism answered the need motivated by trade, adventure, power, profit, and raw materials to fuel their markets.

By 1890, the U.S. was practicing imperialism also, and helped extend the idea of manifest destiny beyond our borders.

Why did imperialism grow? Economic factors – countries needed

access to more natural resources for industry boom.

Nationalistic factors – our country is the best – the one upper syndrome.

Military factors – our country is stronger then you so we will take what we want.

Humanitarian factors – countries felt it was their duty to spread western ideals of law, medicine and religion.

Some European countries had tremendous success through imperialism

Great Britain expanded across the globe – “The sun never sets on the British Empire”.

To begin imperialism, the U.S. established The Monroe Doctrine in 1823.

This made the Western Hemisphere “off limits” to European nations.

Attempts by European nations to oppress or control countries in Western Hemisphere will be viewed as hostile aggression.

This allows the U.S. to have free access to Western Hemisphere.

The Monroe Doctrine was tested a couple times.

First, Great Britain and Venezuela were in a dispute over territory – arguing threatened hostilities.

U.S. told Great Britain to send dispute to arbitration and do not use military force.

Britain – most powerful country in the world – backed down to U.S. – show of respect.

Second, problems developed in Cuba which was a Spanish colony.

Cubans were revolting against the Spanish government – rioting.

Spain sent in troops to put down rebellion – many Cubans were imprisoned.

Cuba looked to the U.S. for aid – business men who had money in Cuba wanted U.S. action.

Yellow journalists in U.S. – exaggerated and made up news stories to get U.S. to act.

Public read about cruelties to Cubans and demanded U.S. action.

U.S. government was not ready for military action – but sent a warship, the U.S.S. Maine to sit off the coast of Cuba

Maine was there to protect U.S. citizens in Cuba

Maine explodes in Havana Harbor – killing 250 American sailors.

American public and journalists blame Spain – real cause of explosion still unknown.

U.S. declares war on Spain – “Remember the Maine!”

War was short – U.S. dominated – May 1898 to December 1898.

Spain signed the Treaty of Paris in 1898 officially ending the war.

Recognized Cuba’s independence, and U.S. gains Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Result of Spanish-American War was that the U.S. now recognized as a world power.

U.S. also made other gains in the Pacific Ocean.

Annexed Hawaii after overthrowing weak monarchy – islands were great place for naval station.

Used Pacific territory to reach China – huge amount of consumers – created “Open Door Policy” to keep fair trade among Europeans there.

summary

After the Spanish-American War, the debate intensified over whether the United States should build an empire.

Growing territories created a new need for an easier access from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

The U.S. selected Panama as a perfect site to build a canal to connect the two oceans.

Problem: Panama is owned by Colombia – and they were not cooperative with the U.S.

The U.S. will once again use it’s power and influence to gain access to Panama.

The U.S. supports a Panamanian uprising to claim independence from Colombia.

With the U.S. support and backing, Panama gains independence from Colombia quickly.

U.S. recognizes Panama as independent and pays $10 million for 10 mile stretch of land.

Panama Canal completed in 1914 – took 10 years to build.

This was an example of President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy.

“Speak softly and carry a big stick” – “the big stick” is the U.S. military.

Under Roosevelt the U.S. makes a new shift in dealing with the Western Hemisphere.

The change of policy is called the Roosevelt Corollary – U.S. will act as a “police” force.

Intervening in other nation’s affairs when stability of the Western Hemisphere is in question.

The new change in policy sparked an American debate over our imperialist policies.

The country became separated between pro-imperialists and anti-imperialists.

Many popular Americans were divided on the issue.

Anti-Imperialists: Moral arguments – imperialism does not offer

“liberty for all”. Not giving some people the same rights. U.S. military is getting too strong – what if it is

used on Americans? Racial arguments – why is our culture the best? Economic – Expansion requires higher taxes to

pay for it – and imported goods hurting industry.

Pro-Imperialists: Celebration of American spirit – manifest

destiny made our country what it is. Economic – more consumers to buy goods

– establishing a world market. Protection – we have connections around

the world, we have buffer areas to defend homeland. – Roosevelt shows off power with Great White Fleet.

summary